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CTicket Selected as Exclusive Ticketing Partner for T1 Vietnam Fanmeeting in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CTicket, a digital ticketing platform powered by Cake by VPBank, has been officially appointed as the exclusive ticketing partner for the T1 Vietnam Fanmeeting featuring global esports icon Faker, scheduled for December 2025. The appointment represents an important step for CTicket as it expands its role in supporting large-scale international events in Vietnam, highlighting the increasing capacity of local digital infrastructure to handle high-demand live experiences.

Before stepping into esports, CTicket had already handled some of Vietnam’s most sought-after international entertainment events, including concerts and fanmeetings featuring G-Dragon, Daesung, Kim Jae Joong, YooNa… and other global stars. These events attracted significant traffic spikes yet consistently showcased CTicket’s system stability, secure digital ticketing, and smooth check-in processes.

The T1 partnership, however, marked a new milestone. When tickets for the December 2025 fanmeeting were released, demand surged across Vietnam’s massive gaming community. Despite the intense traffic, the platform remained fully stable, with several local media outlets highlighting the smooth ticket-purchasing experience during one of the country’s most high-pressure ticket releases. The outcome was widely seen as a positive signal of Vietnam’s growing technical readiness to support international-scale esports events.

Building on this momentum, CTicket launched Vietnam’s first Esports-standard ticketing feature. This innovation is tailored to the complex needs of professional tournaments, supporting multi-phase ticket releases, role-based seating structures, comprehensive anti-fraud safeguards, scalable venue check-ins, and international payment options. These features align the platform with capabilities typically found in mature markets like South Korea and Singapore.

With a fast-growing digital audience and one of Southeast Asia’s largest gaming communities, Vietnam is emerging as a competitive destination for international live events. By offering expanding capabilities that span both major entertainment and professional esports, CTicket is now positioned as the key technology partner for regional organizers seeking a reliable, scalable, and localized ticketing solution, playing a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s future as a premier event hub in Southeast Asia.

For more details, please contact:
Ms. Tran Hong Nguyen
Corporate Communications & PR Team – Cake Digital Bank
Email: theresa.tran@cake.vn
Website: https://cake.vn

ISCA Unveils Bold Plan to Future-Proof Singapore’s Small and Medium-Sized Accounting Practices


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Small and Medium-Sized Accounting Practices (SMPs) are the backbone of Singapore’s business community, supporting thousands of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Of the 761 Accounting Entities in Singapore, nearly all (98%) are SMPs with 100 or fewer staff, and most (70%) are micro practices with 10 staff or less. However, many SMPs today face mounting pressures: operating in isolation, facing tough competition, struggling to find talent, and keeping up with fast-changing technology. To stay relevant, SMPs need to change.

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) unveiled a landmark strategy paper today, laying out a practical roadmap to help Singapore’s SMPs thrive in the future. Developed by ISCA’s Strengthening SMP Taskforce, the paper highlights how the sector is growing, but also how the rise of tiny firms is making competition fiercer and attracting talent harder. Many young professionals see limited career prospects in smaller firms.

Mr Koh Wee Kwang, Co-Chair of the Strengthening SMP Taskforce and ISCA Council Member, said: “The SMP sector is a vital pillar of our business ecosystem. Yet many firms continue to operate in isolation amid mounting pressures on margins, talent, and technology. This roadmap is about helping SMPs move from survival to strength, through scale, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future.”

5 key moves to help SMPs succeed

The paper sets out five practical recommendations to help SMPs grow, innovate and compete globally:

  • Work together, not alone: Encourage firms to join forces, share resources, and tackle staff shortages and boost efficiency through shared services.
  • Build trust and visibility: Introduce a digital badge system so firms can show off their strengths and achievements, making it easier for businesses and talent to spot quality providers.
  • Embrace technology: Pilot new tech solutions to make work faster and smarter, and attract the next generation of accountants.
  • Go global: Help SMPs reach overseas markets through Professional Services Centres, opening doors for cross-border business, creating demand for Singapore professional services sector.
  • Grow new talent: Launch programmes with universities and partners to attract graduates, offering clear career paths and development opportunities.

If these are put into action, SMPs will be better equipped to weather financial challenges, adopt new technologies, attract and keep talented people, and boost Singapore’s reputation as a hub for professional services.

Mr Helmi Bin Ali Bin Talib, Co-Chair of the Taskforce and ISCA Council Member, added: “Transformation starts with a change in mindset. Consolidation and collaboration are no longer threats to independence, but pathways to relevance. We must move away from the idea of doing it alone and embrace new ways to working together that allow firms to scale up, invest in innovation, and attract the next generation of professionals.”

The paper also calls for a fresh look at firm ownership rules and new ways for SMPs to team up, including leveraging shared services for manpower and digital tools, without compromising quality or standards. It also advocates the creation of a digital badge system to recognise firm credibility and raise the visibility of SMPs within Singapore’s professional services landscape.

Ms Tan Fang Yi, Divisional Director, Accountancy and Professional Development Division, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority said: “ACRA thanks ISCA for initiating discussions on SMPs to address the challenges they face. We will continue to work closely with ISCA and relevant government agencies to strengthen Singapore’s accountancy sector, and collaborate with ISCA and the profession through the Implementation Committee for Accountancy Workforce Development (ICAWD) to build a sustainable pipeline for the accountancy profession. Our shared goal is a sector that is underpinned by good audit quality and a skilled and adaptable workforce.”

ISCA’s overseas Professional Services Centres will help SMPs connect with international markets and grow beyond Singapore.

“ISCA’s overseas Professional Services Centres serve as vital bridges for Singapore-based firms to expand their presence regionally. They also enable global companies to leverage Singapore as a trusted regional business hub, providing easy access to quality professional services that support their business expansion in the region,” said Ms Junie Fo, Vice President and Head, Professional Services, Singapore Economic Development Board.

Looking ahead

The strategy paper sets ambitious targets for the next decade, aiming for more high-quality jobs, deeper expertise, and a stronger pipeline of talent. With two strategic thrusts and five key recommendations, ISCA hopes to spark real change and keep SMPs at the heart of Singapore’s professional services sector.

The full paper can be downloaded here.
Hashtag: #ISCA #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #CharteredAccountants #SMPs

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore with around 43,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession.

ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation.

ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries.

For more information, visit .

KuCoin and Casual Films Celebrate Top Honors for KuCoin Brand Film Featuring Adam Scott at the 2025 Vega Awards: Season 2

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Vega Digital Awards has unveiled the winners of its Season 2 competition, spotlighting outstanding achievements from creators and companies pushing the boundaries of digital media, communication, and innovation. Marking its 10th anniversary, the competition attracted more than 1,200 entries from around the world, reflecting the diversity, ambition, and creativity shaping today’s digital landscape.

Among this year’s top honorees is Casual Films, recognized for the KuCoin Brand Film featuring Adam Scott. The film, which powerfully highlights themes of precision, discipline, and trust, was produced in collaboration with KuCoin and went on to earn four Platinum and one Gold distinction. The entry deeply impressed judges with its originality, cinematic execution, and strong digital resonance.


BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: “This award is not only a recognition of our creative expression, but also a reflection of KuCoin’s steady progress in building a compliant and trustworthy presence in global markets. Our collaboration with Adam Scott enables us to communicate KuCoin’s values of trust, transparency, and security in a more authentic and relatable way. Moving forward, we will continue to drive the industry forward responsibly, creating content that brings greater clarity and confidence to users around the world.”

Executive Producer and Creative Director Thomas J Elliott from Casual Hong Kong and Greater China had the following to say about the campaign, the win and what it means to the Casual team: “We are incredibly honoured and humbled that KuCoin’s brand film with Adam Scott has been recognized with four Platinum and one Gold Vega Digital Awards by the international panel of judges. This brand film was a creative drive to connect the precision and trust inherent in elite performance with the secure, reliable world of KuCoin. To have our work celebrated with such distinction by the Vega Awards is a powerful affirmation of the team’s dedication to innovative storytelling and our successful partnership with KuCoin in making the abstract tangible and engaging for their global audiences. At Casual Films, we believe the most powerful brand narratives are those that resonate on an emotional level. The remarkable recognition of the KuCoin brand film by the Vega Awards is a wonderful validation of our team’s dedication to craft and innovation.”

This brand film forms part of KuCoin’s continued global expansion and made its debut in Australia alongside KuCoin’s recent registration as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) provider with AUSTRAC. This milestone enhances regulatory oversight and reaffirms KuCoin’s long-term commitment to the Australian market.

As KuCoin deepens its connection with Australian audiences, the spectacular recent performance of brand ambassador Adam Scott on his home soil provides an uplifting moment for local fans. Scott secured his second title at the Cathedral Invitational with a decisive 1st-place finish. This victory capped a brilliant run, which also included a 7th-place finish at the Australian PGA Championship and a strong 5th-place finish at the Crown Australian Open. This perfectly reinforces the shared themes of precision, discipline, and trust found across both the creative campaign and KuCoin’s broader brand presence in Australia.

For more details about the winning project or the team behind it, visit: https://vegaawards.com/winner-info.php?id=48771 

Grand Jury Panel

The judging process was conducted by a distinguished international jury of digital experts, ensuring credibility and fairness through blind judging. This year’s panel featured Klaus Sommer Paulsen (AdventureLAB), Vasile B Tiplea (Colgate-Palmolive), Olivia Santilli (Cummins & Partners), Aleksandr Volodkovich (T-Bank), Kushal Birari (Mother New York), and Xiaobi Pan (Amazon), among others.

Global Participation & International Brands

This season welcomed entries from some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including Google, GRAMCO Limited, Chinachem Group, NKSFB, Toronto Film School, Blue Telescope, Groove Jones, Savannah College of Art and Design, and IrisWave. Projects developed for prominent clients such as Electronic Development Labs, Inc., Princess Cruises, PIGEON (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD., Resorts World Singapore, PuroClean, Edmond de Rothschild, and Delta Flight Museum further emphasized Vega’s ability to connect global brands with emerging digital innovators.

“The pace of digital transformation has never been faster, and these winners embody what it means to stay ahead,” said Thomas Brandt, spokesperson of the International Awards Associate (IAA). “Harnessing creativity and technology, they create work that captivates audiences and drives lasting impact. Their achievements prove the future of digital belongs to those bold enough to innovate and inspire.”

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust, security, and innovation, serving more than 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,000+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

About Casual

Casual specialises in video content for business.

For over two decades, we have helped Fortune 500 companies:

  • Increase brand awareness and appeal
  • Attract and retain the best candidates
  • Explain complex products and services
  • Train and develop their staff

Casual are video consultants; expert filmmakers fluent in the language of corporate communications. Our proven ability to achieve business objectives with video is what makes us special. Our internal team use their vast experience to help our clients maximise the possibilities of video. We do it better than anyone else.

We are flexible and surprisingly useful, priding ourselves on our client service. We match our processes to the unique requirements of our clients, delivering outstanding results through effective, efficient and remarkably enjoyable partnerships.

Casual. Making video. Round the world. Round the clock.

Learn more: https://www.casualfilms.com 

About Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition dedicated to honoring digital excellence across websites, apps, video, social campaigns, and more. For a decade, it has celebrated creative talent redefining how brands communicate and tell stories in the digital era.

Website: vegaawards.com

Facebook: vegaawards

X: vegaawards

Instagram: vegaawards

Media Partner: Muse.World

D-Link Launches Nuclias Unity

Cloud Network Management Platform for Multi-Site Enterprises at Scale

TAIPEI, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — D-Link Corporation (TWSE: 2332), a global leader in networking and connectivity solutions, announced the launch of Nuclias Unity, a next-generation license-free cloud network management platform. Purpose-built for organizations ranging from SMBs to large, multi-site enterprises, Nuclias Unity delivers unified control, simplified operations, and enterprise-grade reliability—without the traditional cost and complexity of licensed cloud platforms.

D-Link Launches Nuclias Unity - Cloud Network Management Platform for Multi-Site Enterprises at Scale
D-Link Launches Nuclias Unity – Cloud Network Management Platform for Multi-Site Enterprises at Scale

Backed by D-Link’s decades of networking expertise, Nuclias Unity empowers IT teams to manage wired and wireless networks through a unified cloud management platform, accelerating cloud adoption while ensuring visibility, consistency, and operational efficiency across all business environments.

Meeting the Challenges of Modern Distributed IT

As businesses expand across locations and adopt hybrid workplace models, IT teams must manage increasingly complex networks that span multiple sites, devices, and user groups—all while facing limited staff and rising security demands. Fragmented tools and mixed environments amplify the burden, slow troubleshooting, and elevate operational risk.

Nuclias Unity directly addresses these challenges by offering:

  • End-to-end visibility across switches and access points through real-time dashboards and topology maps.
  • Rapid multi-site deployment using cloud-based configuration templates—no on-site IT personnel needed.
  • Proactive monitoring and alerting to maintain service availability and consistent network performance.
  • Stronger governance with centralized policies and role-based access controls that simplify compliance and minimize misconfigurations.
  • License-free scalability, enabling businesses to grow without recurring subscription costs.

A Next-Generation Cloud Platform Built for Scale

Nuclias Unity provides enterprise-class network management through a single intuitive interface that unifies configuration management, monitoring, firmware lifecycle control, troubleshooting tools, and security policy enforcement.

Key capabilities include:

  • Topology-Driven Operational Visibility: Correlate link status, per-port utilization, and device health in a single view to accelerate fault isolation and capacity planning.
  • Port Profiles for Bulk Changes: Apply consistent VLAN, QoS, and security settings to multiple ports and switches in one step, reducing manual configuration time and errors.
  • Proactive Capacity & Power Monitoring: Track CPU, memory, and PoE utilization to identify hot spots early, mitigate overload risk, and keep business-critical services running.
  • Wi-Fi Capacity & Channel Analytics: Track wireless traffic patterns and per-channel utilization over time to prevent congestion and right-size WLAN capacity at each site.
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Enforce least-privilege access with clearly separated Super Admin, Admin, and Viewer roles scoped by organization or site to minimize configuration risk.

One platform to easily manage networks from single locations to large enterprises.

Nuclias Unity supports a three-layer management model that lets enterprises and service providers structure their networks according to operational scale and governance requirements.

  • Layer 1: Single-Site or Small Environments
    Ideal for cafés, boutique shops, kindergartens, and small offices—simple workflows make setup fast for non-specialist staff.
  • Layer 2: Multi-Branch SMB or Mid-Sized Environments
    Suitable for K–12 schools, business hotels, and retail chains requiring unified policy management and consistent firmware deployment across sites.
  • Layer 3: Large and Regulated Enterprise Environments
    Designed for distributed enterprises that require granular role- and site-based delegation, ensuring proper separation of privileges and governance.

This layered flexibility also makes Nuclias Unity an excellent fit for system integrators, who increasingly need tenant-based structures for large-scale service delivery.

Nuclias Unity Solution – 5 Core Pillars

Nuclias Unity is designed around the internationally recognized FCAPS model, delivering comprehensive operational governance across:

  • Fault Management – Early detection, timely alerts, and actionable diagnostics.
  • Configuration Management – Centralized settings, bulk provisioning, and version consistency.
  • Accounting Management – Real-time usage insights to support capacity planning and cost optimization.
  • Performance Management – Health monitoring and dashboard analytics to prevent bottlenecks.
  • Security Management – Role-based access and standardized policies across all sites.

As D-Link continues empowering businesses in a cloud-driven and hyperconnected world, Nuclias Unity reflects the company’s commitment to delivering simpler, smarter, and more scalable network management for organizations of all sizes. Aligned with D-Link’s brand vision — “One Connection • Infinite Possibilities.” — the platform enables customers to build reliable, secure, and future-ready networks that support limitless innovation and growth.

Global Availability and Contact

For product details, deployment consultations, or to request a live demo of Nuclias Unity, please visit: https://www.dlink.com/en/for-business/nuclias/nuclias-unity or contact your local D-Link representative or authorized partner.

About D-Link

D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries. Find out more about D-Link at www.dlink.com

Leeds Capital and MIO Trust Are Proud to Announce Their Collaboration on an AI‑Driven Multi‑Asset Trust Focused on Digital Assets and Precious Metals

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Leeds Capital and MIO Trust are proud to announce their collaboration. Together they are set to launch an AI‑driven multi‑asset trust with a dynamic allocation strategy, giving investors a new way to combine digital assets and precious metals—especially gold and silver—within a regulated, institutional‑grade trust platform.

Leeds Capital will provide the legal architecture, compliance framework and trust custody structure for the MIO Trust platform. MIO Trust and its affiliate MIO Capital will contribute quantitative investment expertise, proprietary AI trading software for digital currencies, and EA‑based trading systems for gold and silver, together with the DApp and smart‑contract stack that connects end‑investors to these strategies.

The new MIO Trust platform developed by Leeds Capital and MIO Trust is built on three core pillars that align traditional finance standards with modern blockchain infrastructure. First, client assets in digital currencies and precious‑metals‑linked accounts are held in segregated trust structures under Leeds Capital’s oversight and with regulated brokers, using institutional‑style controls, multi‑factor security and detailed audit trails. Second, MIO Capital’s AI engine executes cross‑asset strategies in major cryptocurrencies and in gold and silver markets via regulated exchanges and MT5 brokers, operating within predefined risk budgets and position limits. Third, key performance data and allocation signals are recorded on public blockchains through oracle infrastructure, allowing smart contracts to automate unit accounting and income distribution and giving investors an auditable record of strategy behaviour.

According to the MIO Trust whitepaper, the initial focus of the platform is on strategies that aggregate income and growth opportunities across digital assets and precious metals, without using cash‑like instruments as a separate sleeve. The product line will include AI‑driven digital‑asset strategies in major cryptocurrencies, EA‑based quantitative programs for XAU/USD and XAG/USD, and combined mandates that dynamically allocate between selected cryptocurrencies and precious metals to balance upside potential with the defensive and diversification qualities of gold and silver.

MIO Trust’s implementation layer is powered by MIO Capital’s proprietary systems: AI trading software for digital currencies and EA‑based models for gold and silver. The strategies are delivered to end‑investors via a self‑developed DApp and smart‑contract tool, which handles subscription, redemption and reporting on‑chain. This design allows everyday users to access professionally managed digital‑asset and precious‑metal strategies at relatively low minimums, while maintaining transparency and traceability of positions and performance.

The collaboration between Leeds Capital and MIO Trust is structured around a comprehensive governance and risk‑management framework covering client onboarding and suitability, counterparty and broker assessment, operational risk controls and business continuity planning. Portfolios are monitored through an AI + human” dual‑track review process that combines a real‑time risk dashboard, quantitative limits and manual oversight; when multiple indicators trigger, the system can automatically de‑risk or pivot towards more defensive precious‑metal positions, with all key actions recorded for later verification.

MIO Trust is designed as a retail‑friendly platform using institutional‑grade processes; actual access will follow the eligibility and suitability rules of each jurisdiction. With regulations around cryptoassets and tokenised exposures still evolving, product materials highlight risk characteristics, potential volatility and structural features, and strongly encourage investors to obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before allocating capital. By combining Leeds Capital’s trust and compliance infrastructure with MIO Trust’s AI‑driven engine for digital assets and precious metals, the partners aim to offer investors a differentiated solution for integrating cryptocurrencies, gold and silver into a disciplined, dynamically managed long‑term wealth strategy.

Hashtag: #LeedsCapital

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

About Leeds Capital

Leeds Capital is an investment and advisory firm in Australia, focusing on retirement solutions, AI‑supported quantitative strategies and multi‑asset wealth management for clients across the Asia‑Pacific region and globally.

Polyplastics Expands LAPEROS(R) LCP Range to Meet Demands of Electronics Industry

TOKYO, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a global leader in engineering thermoplastics, has expanded its LAPEROS(R) liquid crystal polymer (LCP) product line with the launch of the new LH and TF series materials, which meet the electronics market’s growing demand for higher performance and miniaturization.

These new LCP series grades will accelerate expansion into a broader range of applications and next-generation product development through two distinct approaches: versatility in meeting diverse design needs and high flowability.

Image: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202512080546/_prw_PI1fl_gl8iU5B4.png

-LH Series
The LH series has very well-balanced performance, combining flowability, mechanical properties, and heat resistance. The materials adaptability allows them to accommodate a broad range of product designs, making them suitable for various electronic component applications.

-TF Series
The TF series is engineered for exceptional fluidity for better molding of complex geometries found in smartphones and precision electronic components. While maximizing flowability, the TF series also maintains excellent mechanical properties and a flexible molding window, providing materials that support miniaturization and high-density integration in electronic devices.

Polyplastics is leveraging Materials Informatics methods that utilize AI and data analysis to streamline materials development. By analyzing extensive material data accumulated over many years, the company derives optimal properties, enabling shorter development cycles and highly precise designs.

Produced in Japan and Taiwan region, LAPEROS(R) LCP has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons and holds a 34% share of the global market (according to Fuji Keizai 2025 report). The high-performance material has long supported advancements in the electronic components sector.

LAPEROS(R) LCPs exceptional properties, including mechanical strength, heat resistance, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion, are driving its adoption in next-generation, high-speed transmission uses, such as ultra-thin fine-pitch connectors for smartphones and tablet devices.

For more information, visit: https://www.polyplastics.com/global/s/ourapproach/a5nRB0000013bX7YAI/220?language=en_US

About Polyplastics
Polyplastics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics. The companys product portfolio includes POM, PBT, PPS, LCP, PET, COC, and LFT, with global-leading market share for POM, LCP, and COC. With more than 60 years of experience, the company is backed by a strong global network of R&D, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.

LAPEROS(R) is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

Breaking the “Untreatable”: Biostar Pharma’s UTD1 Achieves First Patient Dosing in U.S. for Pivotal Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Biostar Pharma, Inc., the U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing Biostar Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 2563.HK), today announced that the first patient has been dosed for one of its key oversea clinical studies: the U.S. pivotal clinical study (NCT06764940) of Utidelone Injection(UTD1) combined with capecitabine for the treatment of HER2-negative breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM).

The study adopts a two-stage design and plans to enroll approximately 120 subjects. The primary endpoint is the central nervous system objective response rate (CNS-ORR). Nearly 20 top tier clinical institutes across the United States are participating in the trial, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, John Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope-Duarte, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, University of Colorado Hospital, Augusta University, and University of California Los Angeles.

Utidelone’s unique physicochemical properties and insensitivity to P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux enable it to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and prevent or treat brain metastases of solid tumors, setting it apart from taxanes, which are also microtubule stabilizers. A Phase II clinical study of utidelone combined with bevacizumab and chemotherapy for HER2-negative BCBM, which enrolled 34 subjects, was presented orally at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting [1]. The results showed a CNS-ORR of 67.6%, a central nervous system clinical benefit rate (CNS-CBR) of 88.2%, and a median central nervous system progression-free survival (CNS-PFS) of 15 months. The results of another Phase II clinical study of utidelone combined with bevacizumab for HER2-negative BCBM were published in JAMA Oncology in 2025 [2]. 47 subjects were recruited in the study, with a CNS-ORR of 42.6%, a median CNS-PFS of 10.6 months, and a median overall survival of 15.1 months. In both studies, most treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were Grade 1-2, controllable, and reversible. The U.S. FDA has also granted Utidelone orphan drug designation for the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases.

Approximately 20-50% of advanced breast cancer patients develop brain metastases [3]. Due to the presence of the BBB, many breast cancer treatments were unable to achieve effective concentrations intracranially, leading to generally poor prognoses for BCBM patients, particularly those with HER2-negative BCBM, whose median progression-free survival is only 2-6 months. However, there is currently no clearly effective drug therapy for HER2-negative BCBM, and no drugs worldwide have been approved for this indication, highlighting a significant and urgent unmet medical need. Utidelone has the potential to change this landscape, offering a new treatment option and hope for survival to these patients.

About Biostar

Biostar is an integrated biopharma company focusing on the development of innovative anti-cancer drugs utilizing its synthetic biology R&D platform. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HK 2563) in 2024. We are actively selecting reliable global partners through out-licensing or co-development of Utidelone assets. We believe that our strong capabilities of R&D and manufacturing, coupled with our enriched commercial expertise, make us the preferred partner for global biopharmaceutical companies who share our goal of bringing innovative anti-cancer products to patients around the world. For additional information on partnering with Biostar, please contact our business development team at bd@biostar-pharma.com.

References:

[1] 2025 ASCO Abstract #: 2012.

[2] JAMA Oncol. 2025;11;(8):883-889.

[3] Lin, N. U., et al. Soc. Clin. Oncol. Educ. Book 37, 45-56 (2017).

 

Optimistic Hong Kong Ecommerce Merchants Report Growth, But Hidden Payment Friction Is Eroding Up to 10% of Revenue, Aspire Report Finds

Despite 64% reporting revenue growth, 91% of merchants face payment friction


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 December 2025 – Aspire, the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, today released its Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check for 2025, revealing that while 100 Hong Kong merchants (with HKD 1–10 million annual business revenue) remain optimistic about growth even amid macroeconomic challenges, hidden financial friction is quietly eroding margins.

Optimistic Hong Kong Ecommerce Merchants Report Growth, But Hidden Payment Friction Is Eroding Up to 10% of Revenue, Aspire Report Finds

Developed in collaboration with Stripe, the report identifies payment friction as the most significant — and least visible — drag on ecommerce performance, with 91% of merchants losing 1-10% of revenue every month due to payment failures, hidden fees, chargebacks and disputes, settlement delays, and integration complexities with multiple payment vendors. These losses sit on top of rising processing costs, with 93% of merchants reporting that they now spend at least 2-4+% of revenue on payment fees alone.

“The data tells a remarkable story of Hong Kong merchants navigating macroeconomic challenges with speed and agility. They are reshaping product lines, adjusting pricing, and leaning into discovery-led commerce — yet payment friction continues to undercut these gains.” said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and Co-founder of Aspire. “As merchants scale across markets, they need financial infrastructure that is transparent, integrated, and cross-border ready to unlock even more growth.”

Macroeconomic pressures drive strategic shifts

Hong Kong merchants continue to operate in a high-cost environment shaped by a consumer spending slowdown (32%), rising rents and logistics costs (32%), and inflation (31%). Despite this, growth expectations remain relatively positive: 32% expect up to 10% revenue growth, another 32% expect 10–20%, and only a minority foresee significant declines.

Instead of passing rising costs directly to consumers, merchants are recalibrating how they price and position their products:

  • 31% are moving from mass categories into more defensible niches
  • 73% are broadening their price architecture through a premium-to-value shift
  • 44% are transitioning from physical to digital channels
  • 23% are expanding physical touchpoints such as pop-ups and hybrid formats

Social commerce and cross-border expansion powers momentum

Discovery-led commerce continues to reshape Hong Kong’s ecommerce landscape. Social shops now account for 62% of merchants’ primary sales channels (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Xiaohongshu), followed by livestreaming (15%) and traditional ecommerce platforms (23%). These channels also show the fastest acceleration, with 93% of merchants reporting an uplift in social commerce sales, underscoring a rapid shift away from traditional ecommerce platforms.

Beyond domestic demand, cross-border remains the clearest path to scale. The top regional markets for Hong Kong merchants are Southeast Asia (100%), Mainland China (83%), and Japan and Korea (63%). However, scaling regionally brings friction of its own. Merchants cite logistics complexity (51%), local marketing barriers (28%), and duties (18%) as the biggest obstacles.

“When 91% of merchants are losing revenue to payment friction, it’s not just an operational cost—it’s a growth blocker,” said Sarita Singh, Regional Head and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China at Stripe. “Improving payment performance via a strong financial infrastructure is one of the fastest ways for Hong Kong businesses to unlock immediate revenue and scale more confidently across markets.”
Hashtag: #Aspire

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

About the Report

Aspire’s Hong Kong Ecommerce Pulse Check 2025 is based on survey responses from 100 Hong Kong ecommerce businesses, collected in November 2025. Respondents typically fall within the HKD 1–10 million annual revenue range and represent a wide mix of categories, including beauty, fashion, home and living, lifestyle, pet care, baby and kids, creative goods, sporting goods, and F&B.

All insights are self-reported and focus on five areas shaping their operating environment: macroeconomic pressures, pricing and product strategies, social commerce growth, cross-border expansion, and the operational and financial friction influencing profitability and scale.

The full report will be revealed on 17th December, 2025.
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About Aspire

Aspire is the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses globally, which has helped over 50,000companies save time and money with international payments, treasury, expense, payable, and receivable management solutions – accessible via a single, user-friendly account. Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire has 600+ employees across nine countries, clients in 30+ markets and is backed by global top tier VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y-Combinator, Tencent and Paypal.