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Chulalongkorn University’s Herbarium Preserves Thai Flora for Research and Criminal Investigations

BANGKOK, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium (BCU), operated by the Department of Botany at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, serves as a vital hub for plant research and identification in Thailand. Established in 1960, the herbarium supports the academic and research community by maintaining a comprehensive plant specimen collection and offering plant analysis services.

Chulalongkorn University's Herbarium Preserves Thai Flora for Research and Criminal Investigations
Chulalongkorn University’s Herbarium Preserves Thai Flora for Research and Criminal Investigations

The herbarium has amassed over 20,000 plant specimens and has evolved into a national resource that aids not only academic institutions but also government agencies and private enterprises. The specimens serve as a reference for the study of biodiversity, support the food and pharmaceutical industries, and help identify invasive species. Notably, the herbarium also assists in forensic investigations, showcasing the multidisciplinary applications of botanical science.

Science Service Officer Mrs. Parinyanoot Klinratana highlights the herbarium’s diverse roles. She recounts instances where plant materials found on suspects’ clothing were analyzed to determine their origin and whether they came from restricted areas, aiding law enforcement. Similarly, the herbarium helped the Customs Department identify and trace shallot species. Another case involved verifying whether plant matter found on a car grille was invasive – the information that was crucial for export compliance. 

These examples illustrate how plant identification has real-world applications far beyond the classroom. It shows how plant materials can serve as silent witnesses in crime investigations, indicators of environmental risk, or hindrances to business transactions.

With decades of experience, the herbarium is regarded for its meticulous techniques in preserving plant specimens to ensure long-term usability for research and reference.

Through collaboration with various sectors, the herbarium bridges science and society. It serves as a national plant database and supports Thailand’s commitment to environmental conservation, biodiversity, and global regulatory standards. Its scientific expertise and systematic processes reinforce the importance of accurate plant taxonomy, not only for academic integrity but also for legal and commercial purposes.

By combining specimen preservation with expert analysis, the Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium ensures that Thailand’s rich plant biodiversity is not only studied and safeguarded but also applied in meaningful ways across multiple sectors, including science, medicine, and law.

Professor Kasin Suvatabhandhu Herbarium, located on the 4th floor of the Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, is open to the public free of charge. Tel. +662 218 5502.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/250138/ 

Media Contact:
Chula Communication Center 
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th 

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.

TuniTuni Malaysia Opens Second Center in Bukit Jalil, Accelerates Expansion Across Klang Valley

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TuniTuni Malaysia, the Malaysian arm of Korea’s leading storytelling playgym brand, officially opened its second center in Bukit Jalil on August 10. This new location marks a significant step in the brand’s strategic expansion across the Klang Valley, building on the successful launch of its first center at United Point Mall.

 

TuniTuni Malaysia is releasing balloons to celebrate the opening of its second center in Bukit Jalil.

The new center aims to provide young families in the Bukit Jalil area with a purposeful early childhood development program. TuniTuni’s unique curriculum combines storytelling, physical activity, and imaginative play to foster children’s cognitive, motor, and emotional skills.

“We’re thrilled to bring our joyful learning experience closer to families in Bukit Jalil, a community we see as a vibrant hub for young families,” said Mac, Center Manager of TuniTuni Bukit Jalil. “Our goal is to make early childhood development both fun and impactful, and we look forward to welcoming more children to our community.”

The brand has already demonstrated strong momentum, with over 250 children participating in classes within the first four months of its initial opening. Building on this success, TuniTuni Malaysia is preparing for further expansion across the Klang Valley to bring its storytelling playgym experience to even more families.

To celebrate the grand opening, TuniTuni Bukit Jalil is offering exclusive promotions for a limited time:

  • Free Trial Classes: From August 8 to October 31, 2025, families can sign up for a complimentary class to experience TuniTuni’s unique curriculum firsthand.
  • Exclusive Enrollment Offers: New members will receive a waived registration fee and a special gift upon enrollment.

The new center is conveniently located in a family-friendly area with easy access and ample parking (Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Signature BJ, Aurora Place).

For more information or to book a class, please contact:

Contact: 012 450 5980 or message us on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok @tunituni_my

About TuniTuni Malaysia

Founded in Korea in 2003, TuniTuni is a leading early childhood development program that has been experienced by over 3 million children worldwide. It blends storytelling, movement, and play to provide a unique learning environment for children aged 12 to 48 months, supporting their physical, cognitive, and social development. Building on this global success, TuniTuni Malaysia is focused on a strategic expansion to bring its proven program to more families throughout the Klang Valley.

AIMA Brand Launches in Sri Lanka, Laying Out Important Node Along the Belt and Road Initiative

TIANJIN, China, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On June 30, 2025, AIMA Technology held a grand launch in Sri Lanka. This not only marks another important milestone in AIMA Technology’s global expansion journey, but also signifies the beginning of a new strategic partnership with Sri Lankan innovative mobility brand Telesonic Mobility.

At the launch event, AIMA Technology officially unveiled its flagship models specifically designed for the local market: the Maverick (AIMA A7 PLUS) and the Engine MAX series. The AIMA Maverick, hailed as a “two-wheeled luxury sports sedan,” delivers outstanding power and performance. Equipped with the “Engine 8” electric drive system, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 meters in 9.8 seconds. Combined with nitrogen acceleration and aerodynamic design, it can reach a top speed of 65km/h.

AIMA Technology has always adhered to a user-centric approach and advocates for green mobility. As of 2025, AIMA electric vehicles have been sold to over 60 countries worldwide, with 11 production bases (including overseas bases in Indonesia and Vietnam), and have obtained international certifications such as UL/EEC. As of March 2025, AIMA electric vehicles have achieved total sales of 90 million units and have been certified as a “Global Leading Electric Two-Wheeler Brand” by Frost & Sullivan, a globally authoritative corporate growth consulting firm.

Based on the energy transformation and green development concepts advocated by the Belt and Road Initiative, AIMA Technology’s successful entry into Sri Lanka will play a positive role in promoting the country’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.

HistoIndex Marks Another Step Forward with FibroSIGHT™ Plus: Introducing AI-based Quantitative Analysis in Fibrosis Assessment

SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HistoIndex, a pioneering leader in digital pathology solutions for chronic liver disease, has announced the launch of FibroSIGHT™ Plus, its second Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) available in the United States. Building on the foundation of FibroSIGHT™[1], which debuted just months earlier, FibroSIGHT™ Plus introduces an additional feature of automated quantitative analysis of fibrosis – a key advancement that enables more consistent and precise characterization at diagnosis and tracking of fibrosis in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). “We’re thrilled to deliver another advancement in MASH diagnostics, bridging our experience and capabilities in clinical trials all the way to clinical use.”, said Yukti Choudhury, Chief Development Officer at HistoIndex.

At the core of FibroSIGHT™ Plus is qFibrosis®, HistoIndex’s proprietary AI-driven algorithm. By leveraging stain-free Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging of MASH liver biopsies, qFibrosis® automatically quantifies multiple fibrosis-related collagen architectural and morphological features detected by SHG in various spatial zones of a liver biopsy and translates them into a single value or stage for fibrosis[2]. The result is fibrosis expressed on a continuous scale, rather than in discrete categories. This allows more detailed insights into the disease severity and offers clinicians a sensitive tool with which to better characterize individual patients at diagnosis and to monitor subtle changes in their disease over time.

Quantifying multiple collagen parameters with qFibrosis®
Quantifying multiple collagen parameters with qFibrosis®

“Having worked with HistoIndex for many years, I have witnessed firsthand the value that Second Harmonic Generation imaging brings to fibrosis assessment in MASH clinical trials, with highly sensitive and consistent detection and quantification of fibrosis in liver biopsies. Automated solutions like FibroSIGHT™ Plus represent the future of liver pathology. The ability to detect incremental changes in fibrosis with this level of precision is exactly what we need to guide earlier and more targeted interventions in MASH,” said Dr. Naim Alkhouri, MD, Chief Academic Officer at Summit Clinical Research and the Director of the Steatotic Liver Disease Program at the Clinical Research Institute of Ohio.

Unlike conventional pathology methods, which are prone to variability in staining and interpretation, FibroSIGHT™ Plus delivers a standardized and objective measurement across the entire biopsy specimen. By removing subjectivity and inter-reader variability, as well as offering granular measurements at single-fiber resolution on the entire spectrum of fibrosis in MASH, the FibroSIGHT™ Plus test enhances confidence in fibrosis assessment and supports more personalized and data-driven treatment decisions.

“When benchmarked against reference fibrosis stages from expert pathologists’ consensus, HistoIndex’s qFibrosis® aligns closely, and demonstrates greater consistency than traditional histology. This level of reproducibility is essential in clinical practice and represents an important step toward replacing subjective scoring with reliable, quantitative metrics.” added Dr. Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, Professor of Medicine, Transplant Hepatologist at Houston Methodist Hospital and a Co-Chairman of the Board Summit and Pinnacle Clinical Research.

FibroSIGHT™ Plus marks another advancement in HistoIndex’s efforts to integrate its digital pathology solutions into routine patient care. With more innovations underway, HistoIndex continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in improving outcomes for patients with MASH.

About MASH

Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) characterized by steatosis, ballooning degeneration and inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure and an increased risk of liver cancer. Pathologist assessment of liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of MASH. Histological categorial scoring systems are often used as surrogate endpoints to evaluate drug efficacy in MASH clinical trials. These endpoints are limited in capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. As a result, there is a growing need for more accurate and reliable tools, such as AI-based digital pathology solutions, to improve the assessment of treatment response and disease severity in MASH.

About HistoIndex

Founded in 2010, HistoIndex pioneers in stain-free, fully automated imaging solutions for visualizing and quantifying fibrosis in biological tissues. By combining cutting-edge biophotonic technology with AI-based analysis, HistoIndex provides innovative tools to improve the assessment of fibrosis changes and drug efficacy. HistoIndex’s breakthrough digital pathology solutions are currently used in accelerating clinical research, expediting pharmaceutical drug development, and transforming medical standards.

References:

  1. https://histoindex.com/fibrosight/
  2. https://histoindex.com/qfibrosis/

 

ARC Group Securities Adds Underwriting License, Strengthening Global Capital Markets Platform

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARC Group Securities LLC (“ARC Securities”), a wholly owned subsidiary of ARC Group, is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to operate as a registered underwriting broker-dealer in the United States. This milestone marks a significant step in ARC Securities’ ongoing expansion of its global capital markets capabilities and commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to growth-focused companies worldwide.

“This approval is a pivotal development for ARC Securities and our broader capital markets strategy,” said Ian Hanna, CEO at ARC Securities “Adding firm commitment underwriting to our broker-dealer license not only underscores our dedication to regulatory excellence and operational integrity but also positions us to better serve our clients seeking access to U.S. capital markets.”

A Strategic Gateway to U.S. Capital Markets

With the expanded broker-dealer license, ARC Securities can now directly engage in U.S. securities transactions, including acting as an underwriter for IPOs and other public offerings. This enhanced capability increases ARC Securities ability to deliver cross-border transaction expertise and tailored capital markets solutions across Asia, Europe, and other key markets.

“Our U.S. broker-dealer presence allows us to provide an integrated, end-to-end advisory and execution platform for clients with global ambitions,” said Ian Hanna added. “It reflects our strategic vision to bridge Asia and the West while upholding the highest standards of compliance and client service.”

Expanding Global Reach and Deepening Expertise

ARC Group, the parent, is renowned for its leadership in cross-border M&A, IPO advisory, SPAC transactions, and strategic consulting. With offices across major financial hubs, the Group has advised on more than $10 billion in transactions, empowering companies to achieve transformative growth and access new investor bases.

The establishment of ARC Securities  as a U.S.-registered broker-dealer with underwriting capabilities underscores ARC Group’s ongoing commitment to creating shareholder value, expanding global reach, and delivering best-in-class financial solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of growth companies.

For more information on ARC Group, please visit: www.arc-group.com

About ARC Group Securities LLC

ARC Group Securities LLC is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer headquartered in San Francisco and a wholly owned subsidiary of ARC Group. The firm specializes in providing comprehensive capital markets and investment banking services to emerging growth and mid-market companies globally, with a focus on bridging Asia and Western markets.

About ARC Group

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

 

 

Skyee Obtains Major Payment Institution (MPI) License from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Skyee Pte. Ltd. (“Skyee”) is pleased to announce that it has been granted a Major Payment Institution (MPI) license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), issued on August 1, 2025.

This significant milestone marks a new chapter in Skyee’s expansion across Southeast Asia, reinforcing its commitment to compliance, innovation, and operational excellence. The MPI license enables Skyee to provide a full suite of regulated payment services in Singapore, including account issuance, domestic money transfer, cross-border money transfer, merchant acquisition, and e-money issuance services. These capabilities allow Skyee to further enhance the payment experience for cross-border customers, streamline payment processing, and reduce operational costs.

Since its founding in 2016, Skyee Group has remained committed to its mission of “linking the global financial network, building a new payment system, and providing all-around convenience for cross-border fund transfers.” This license serves as a testament to that mission and accelerates the company’s ambition to become a trusted financial partner across the region.

Kozen Tan, CEO of Skyee Singapore, stated: “This milestone reflects our deep commitment to regulatory excellence, financial integrity, and delivering secure, innovative payment solutions to our customers across Singapore and the region. We are excited to scale our operations and further strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading global fintech hub.”

As Singapore continues to lead as a global financial hub and a frontrunner in fintech innovation, Skyee’s market entry is expected to introduce fresh competition and stimulate further innovation in the payment services sector. With continued product optimization and regional expansion, Skyee is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the future of fintech in the region.

About Skyee 

Based in Guangzhou, Mainland China, Skyee is a leading cross-border payment fintech company with offices in Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and Canada. Dedicated to providing innovative payment solutions for businesses with cross-border funding needs. Skyee delivers secure and efficient global cross-border payment services through its proprietary payment platform. Serving a wide range of overseas merchants, Skyee offers personalized solutions for over twenty global payment scenarios – enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and improving user experience across the international payments ecosystem.

Asian Firms Divided on Insolvency Outlook Amid Ongoing Trade Challenges

Amid a fragmented B2B customer payment risk landscape, Asia’s corporate sector is concerned about cash flow and profitability


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – The 2025 edition of the Atradius Payment Practices Barometer survey for Asia reveals a nearly even split between businesses expecting stable payment behaviour from their customers and those foreseeing a deterioration in payment risk in the coming months.

The survey, conducted in the second half of Q2 2025 across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, highlights regional resilience amid rising financial vulnerabilities driven by global trade policy uncertainty, liquidity constraints, and worsening B2B payment behavior.

Late payments affect 44% of B2B credit sales, with bad debts averaging 5%—a seemingly modest figure that nonetheless significantly impacts profitability. Businesses cite customer liquidity issues, delays in customers’ payment processes, invoice disputes and supply chain disruptions as the top reasons for late payments.

The survey also found that three in five Asian companies (60%) have expanded trade credit offerings but kept payment terms steady to limit exposure to payment risks while maintaining customer loyalty and encouraging sales. Furthermore, the survey shows, 54% of all B2B sales are transacted on credit with 48-day average payment terms, highlighting the central role credit plays in financing trade across Asia. Bank loans, invoice financing and internal funds have served as the other key sources of funding over the past 12 months.

Looking ahead, the survey’s findings depict a region also divided on considerations such as inventory turnover and days sales outstanding (DSO) – the time taken to collect payments – but united in acknowledging and anticipating macro challenges, such as the influence of increased trade uncertainties, growing regulatory compliance burdens and the pressures to adopt sustainable practices to address environmental concerns.

At the same time, projections of sales and profitability across Asia remain cautiously optimistic as indicated by companies’ plans to manage payment risk. In this scenario, balancing the dual needs of liquidity and risk management will be pivotal for success in the months ahead, the survey concludes.

“The latest findings from our Payment Practices Barometer for Asia reveal critical insights into the operational challenges faced by businesses. Issues like increasing bad debts, trade policy uncertainties, compliance pressures, and sustainability initiatives are prominent. However, there is also cautious optimism as companies acknowledge these challenges and explore solutions,” stated Eric den Boogert, Managing Director of Atradius in Asia. “This includes adapting to market changes and ensuring optimal liquidity while effectively managing risk through strategies like outsourcing credit risk management to enhance traditional internal measures.”

The 2025 Atradius Payment Practices Barometer for Asia report can be found here.

Hashtag: #AtradiusAsia #PaymentPracticesBarometer #PaymentPractices #B2BFinance


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

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at