Parallel audit streamlines certification and speeds up access to global markets

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DNV, the independent global assurance and risk management provider, has certified contact lenses and multi-purpose lens care solutions from Clearlab in accordance with the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP), ISO13485 Quality Management System for Medical Devices and the European Union Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745.

The certifications were achieved through a parallel audit, enabling Clearlab to be assessed against multiple regulatory frameworks simultaneously. This integrated approach significantly reduced audit time and complexity, supporting a faster and more efficient certification process.

Medical devices are subject to strict regulatory requirements to demonstrate their safety and quality before entering the market. As each market applies its own regulatory framework, multi-market certification can be complex and time-consuming. To address this challenge, regulatory authorities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and the United States developed the MDSAP based on the ISO13485 standard. Under the MDSAP, a single regulatory audit can provide access to up to these five markets, as well as those in affiliate member nations. Similarly, compliance with the EU MDR enables access to the entire EU and EEA markets.

As an MDSAP Auditing Organization and a designated Notified Body under EU regulations, DNV is authorized to conduct audits for both certification schemes, enabling manufacturers to efficiently access major global markets.

To support Clearlab in bringing its innovative high-quality contact lenses and multi-purpose lens care solutions to a wider customer base more quickly, DNV assessed the products against the MDSAP, ISO13485 and MDR requirements in a parallel audit. This integrated approach minimizes duplication and audit burden for manufacturers while providing greater flexibility to optimize go-to-market timelines.

“By meeting the requirements of MDSAP, ISO 13485, and MDR through a single audit stream, Clearlab strengthens its compliance posture and accelerates access to key global markets, including Europe, Asia Pacific, and other regulated regions. The certifications confirm that Clearlab’s contact lenses and lens care products meet internationally recognized standards for quality management, safety, and regulatory compliance. The successful outcome highlights the value of coordinated audits in supporting medical device manufacturers as they navigate increasingly complex regulatory landscapes, while maintaining high standards of product quality and patient safety” said Hae Kyeung Park, Managing Director, Clearlab.

“One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers of innovative medical devices is the time it takes to get products certified for all their target markets and the impact that has on global rollout plans. Parallel multi-standard audits can make a real difference. We are pleased to have supported Clearlab in bringing their contact lens products to a wider market faster thanks to the close communication and tailored audit planning made possible by our local team,” added Cecilie Gudesen Torp, Global Director Medical Services, DNV.

Learn more at https://www.dnv.com/medical-devices/ 

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MAMA AWARDS, the world’s No.1 K-pop awards, made its return to Hong Kong in 2025 and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, led its comeback as title sponsor.  Building on the success of this collaboration, Visa will renew its partnership with South Korea’s leading entertainment company CJ ENM to extend its title sponsorship of the MAMA AWARDS through to 2029.

The renewal underscores Visa’s commitment to cultural commerce, cross-border engagement, and supporting megaevents that unite fans across Asia and beyond.  For example, Visa data^[1] showed that for the 2025 MAMA AWARDS in Hong Kong,  nearly 90% of overseas cardholders who bought tickets to the 2025 MAMA AWARDS during the Visa presale have not visited the city in the past year – underscoring how the event invigorated tourism by attracting first-time and past travellers, boosting the economy.

The MAMA AWARDS’ global reach and cultural impact align with this multi-year partnership. Dedicated to celebrating the artistry and power of music to connect people across boundaries, MAMA AWARDS has been at the forefront of K-pop’s global expansion, hosting the awards globally including in Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan and the United States.

Marking this milestone, Visa also unveils K-pop girl group izna as brand ambassador, bringing their global fanbase, dynamic presence, and individuality to the MAMA AWARDS, as well as to izna’s and Visa’s communities worldwide.

Stephen Karpin, Regional President, Asia Pacific at Visa, said, “Visa is proud to continue our title sponsorship of the MAMA AWARDS. This renewal reflects our shared commitment to create a more vibrant and connected Asia Pacific, and we do so by co-creating world-class events that drive tourism into the region’s cities and promote local businesses. Visa is also proud to enable seamless and secure payment experiences that elevate the fan experience – whether it is booking flights, purchasing tickets, dining out, or commuting locally with Visa. Beyond the MAMA AWARDS, our global network empowers businesses to meet growing demand and fosters commerce across the region.”

Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM  said, “Extending our partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, further strengthens MAMA AWARDS’ international status and the trust we’ve built over the years. Working with a global brand like Visa will help us reach new heights on the global stage and expand our fan base. It will also give K-pop greater momentum as it grows into a truly global cultural platform. This extended partnership reflects our shared vision and mutual commitment as we build the future together. “

Danielle Jin, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, “Visa’s extended partnership with CJ ENM for the MAMA AWARDS will deliver more spectacular experiences for K-pop fans worldwide as we celebrate the artistes that make it possible. The MAMA AWARDS is a cultural touchstone in Asia Pacific and around the world, allowing Visa to engage a new generation of consumers including Gen Zs and Millennials, and let them be the fans they want to be. We look forward to curating more events like the MAMA AWARDS, while delivering seamless and secure payments that bring people closer to their passions.”

Visa supports global events that inspire people worldwide, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. As the official payment technology partner of the FIFA World Cup™ since 2007 and through partnerships with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Formula 1, and Shanghai Fashion Week, Visa enables effortless participation for fans of all ages through seamless and secure transaction experiences, shaping cultural conversations, and driving cross-border commerce. 

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com. 

BEIJING, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On January 20, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, released its 2025 Global Trending Content for its international version. Over the past year, iQIYI International recorded a remarkable 114.5% year-on-year increase in global views, fueled by strong demand for Chinese content and Thai dramas. Viewership preferences showed distinct differences across regions, including Southeast Asia, North America, East Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa.

Starting January 20, iQIYI International also launches new charts ranking global content across six categories, covering both Chinese and non-Chinese language dramas, films, and animation. These weekly and all-time rankings give users and partners a clear view of what’s trending worldwide.

Dramas and Original Content Lead Growth 

Dramas remain the platform’s growth standouts. In 2025, nine out of the top 10 Chinese language series were iQIYI self-presented, including the chart-topping romance drama “The Best Thing,” which successfully integrated traditional Chinese medicines into a contemporary narrative. Meanwhile, the romance drama “Speed and Love” under iQIYI’s Heartbeat Theater climbed to No. 10 on the annual rankings just 20 days after its release.

Thai content also dominated non-Chinese language charts, led by the supernatural drama “Khemjira”. Long-running iQIYI dramas, such as “KinnPorsche The Series La Forte” maintained high engagement throughout the year, reflecting the enduring impact of high-quality Thai productions.

Breakout success in Animation and Film

Chinese animation saw a breakout year, with eight of the top 10 titles featuring fantasy-adventure themes. Beyond traditional world-building, titles like “Urban Miracle Doctor” and “Super Cube” successfully introduced modern elements to global fans. In film, the “Ne Zha” franchise claimed the top three spots on the Chinese-language movie charts. While adaptations of legendary stories, such as “The Legend of the Condor Heroes: What Is Love” and “Monkey King Fights Lion Camel,” also compelled audiences, further underscoring the worldwide appeal of Chinese mythology.

Localized Strategies for Global Tastes

Regional preferences remained distinct across iQIYI International’s global footprint. Southeast Asian audiences prioritized localized and dubbed content, while North American viewers enjoyed a broad selection, from Chinese and Thai dramas to animation and music reality shows. East Asia views gravitated towards suspense and detective genres, while audiences in the Middle East and North Africa preferred Chinese content with military themes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2025, iQIYI’s overseas business saw rapid growth, emerging as the company’s second growth engine. By integrating standout Chinese content with localized productions, iQIYI International effectively expanded its global presence and reached record average daily subscribers according to its Q3 2025 financial report.

Looking ahead, iQIYI International will deepen its investment in Asian content production, deliver high-quality content that connects with global audiences, and support creative talent worldwide. 

Contact:
iQIYI Press,
press@qiyi.com 

Exclusive Savings on Seoul and Jeju Flights, with Travel Available through Oct 24, 2026

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — T’way Air, Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, has launched New Year Special Deals for travelers flying from Singapore to Korea. Customers can access limited-time savings through a promo code and coupons on flights to Incheon (Seoul) and Jeju Island.

T’way Air operates daily Singapore–Incheon (Seoul) services on A330-200/300 aircraft, departing Singapore at 11:00 p.m. and arriving in Incheon at 6:35 a.m. the next day. Return flights depart Incheon at 3:30 p.m. and arrive in Singapore at 9:25 p.m. (local time).

The airline currently operates five weekly Singapore–Jeju services (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) on Boeing 737-8, and will resume daily service from March 15, 2026. Flights departs Singapore at 2:30 a.m., and arrive in Jeju at 9:30 a.m. Return flights depart Jeju at 7:45 p.m. and arrives in Singapore at 1:30 a.m. the next day (local time).

Book by January 31 to unlock New Year savings:

• Up to 7% Off Promo Code: Enter FLYJAN when booking on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel through Oct 24, 2026. Valid for Economy and Business Saver class.
• SGD 30 Regular Coupon: For bookings over SGD 350 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel through Oct 24, 2026.
• SGD 35 Early Bird Coupon: For bookings over SGD 400 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel period May 1–Oct 24, 2026.
• SGD 8 New Year’s Special Bundle Coupon: For selected bundles (e.g., meal pack, bag pack, multi-pack) on bookings over SGD 78 for Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel through Oct 24, 2026.
• Welcome SGD 20 Coupon: Sign up at twayair.com and receive SGD 20 off bookings over SGD 180 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju.

Korea combines cultural attractions in Seoul with Jeju Island’s natural scenery. Neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu area are popular for dining and local culture, while Jeju is recognized for coastal routes and volcanic landscapes suited to nature-focused travel.

For full flight schedules, coupon terms, and booking details, visit twayair.com. T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.

About T’way Air

T’way Air Co., Ltd. is a South Korea based low-cost carrier (LCC) providing reliable air travel services since 2010. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, as well as Oceania, Europe and North America. T’way Air continues to expand its network and enhance connectivity for travelers. For more information, visit www.twayair.com

Media Contact

T’WAY AIR Public Relations
twaypr@twayair.com

BEIJING, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu Wenku, a AI-powered productivity platform and a unit of Baidu, China’s leading artificial intelligence company, today announced the appointment of actor Ding Yuxi as its first Global Ambassador. Following his appointment as Baidu Wenku’s inaugural Brand Ambassador in 2025, the partnership has been expanded, with Ding also serving as Global Ambassador for Oreate AI, Baidu Wenku’s international edition.

As one of China’s most influential young actors, Ding Yuxi has won widespread acclaim among audiences both domestically and internationally for his standout performances in hit series such as Fight for Love and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. Beyond his proven acting skills and strong professional dedication, his global profile has risen significantly over the past year. He has secured endorsements with international brands including Versace and appeared at the UN Climate Change Conference as a UN-affiliated news correspondent, where his bilingual speech surpassed 18 million views worldwide within 48 hours, underscoring his rapidly growing international appeal.

Meanwhile, Baidu Wenku has received repeated recognition from leading national organizations, including China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (CICS-CERT) and Xinhua News Agency. Appointing Ding Yuxi as its Global Ambassador marks a key step in Baidu Wenku’s global expansion, highlighting the platform’s long-term commitment and confidence in engaging users worldwide.

Baidu Wenku’s international expansion is progressing steadily and has already delivered tangible results. Since its debut in 2025, Oreate AI has attracted more than one million users worldwide, spanning over 220 countries and regions. Following a major upgrade in September 2025, the international offering quickly rose to the top of Product Hunt’s daily rankings, drawing strong interest from users across Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Its advanced AI capabilities have earned increasing recognition in global markets.

Against this backdrop, Ding Yuxi’s appointment as Baidu Wenku’s Global Ambassador goes beyond a mere fusion of technology and entertainment—it represents a milestone in Baidu’s efforts to bring its AI platforms to a broader global audience. By combining Ding’s rising international influence and Baidu’s technological expertise, the partnership is set to strengthen the global visibility of both Baidu Wenku and Oreate AI, helping users worldwide better discover and engage with AI solutions originating in China.

For more information, please visit wenku.baidu.com.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gene Solutions, a global biotechnology company, and Pangea Laboratory, a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) leader in validation platforms for Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), announced a strategic collaboration to advance U.S. verification and clinical validation of liquid biopsy assays designed for cancer detection, profiling, and monitoring.

Under the agreement, Gene Solutions will provide SOPs, funding, and technical support from its CAP-accredited NGS laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam. Pangea Laboratory will oversee all analytical and clinical validation of Gene Solutions’ tests at its U.S. facilities in Irvine, California. The collaboration is to streamline U.S. readiness for Gene Solutions’ AI-powered multi-omics liquid biopsy technologies within CLIA/CAP quality systems.

“Through our collaboration with Pangea, we’re combining Gene Solutions’ AI-driven multi-omics innovation with world-class U.S. validation expertise,” said Dr. Hoa Giang, Co-founder and Chief Data Science Officer of Gene Solutions. “Together, we aim to deliver affordable, advanced cancer detection, tumor profiling, and monitoring tools.”

The first collaboration phase will prioritize Gene Solutions’ two flagship Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) tests, including:

• SPOT-MAS™, an AI-powered Multi Cancer Early Detection (MCED) blood test integrating ctDNA epigenomics, fragmentomics, and genomics to detect early cancer signals in a single 10 mL blood draw. The assay’s development and performance have been assessed across 10 major cancer types and 75 subtypes.
•  K-4CARE™, a dual‑function precision oncology assay combining comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic profiling with Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) detection to guide targeted therapy selection and deliver longitudinal ctDNA-MRD monitoring insights.

John Moore, CEO of Pangea Laboratory, added: “Pangea is pleased to support the advancement of SPOT-MAS and K-4CARE in the U.S. market which are complementary to Pangea’s Bladder CARE™ assay, for the early detection of Bladder Cancer. Our validation platform is designed specifically for innovative LDTs, and we look forward to helping clinicians and patients benefit from these technologies.”

About Pangea Laboratory
Founded in 2014, Pangea Laboratory is a CLIA-certified, CAP‑accredited diagnostics company specializing in high complexity testing and validation services for innovative assays, including Next Generation Sequencing and molecular diagnostics. For more information, visit https://pangealab.com.

About Gene Solutions
Gene Solutions is a global biotechnology company headquartered in Singapore with a mission to make advanced genomic solutions accessible and affordable. Leveraging multi-omics, NGS, and AI, the company offers a portfolio including multicancer early detection (SPOT-MAS) and comprehensive tumor profiling with ctDNA monitoring (K-TRACK, K-4CARE). Gene Solutions operates CAP-accredited NGS laboratories and has delivered millions of genetic tests worldwide since 2017. For more information, visit www.genesolutions.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Important Disclaimer
Some tests may be offered as LDTs in CLIA-certified, CAP‑accredited laboratories; availability and institutional policies vary by state and health system. Results are intended for professional use only. SPOT‑MAS is recommended for adults at elevated cancer risk and should complement guideline recommended screening; it does not detect all cancers.

This release includes forward‑looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties; neither Gene Solutions nor Pangea Laboratory has any obligation to update these statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors. (Regulatory context for LDTs: following the March 31, 2025, federal district court vacatur, FDA issued a final rule implementing the vacatur and reverting to prior regulatory text; CLIA/CAP oversight applies to LDT services.)