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LianLian Global and 12 Victory partnering to offer Pay to China solution to the Thai market

HANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Addressing the demand for seamless and secure international transfers, LianLian Global and 12 Victory are proud to introduce a new generation in remittance services. This strategic partnership delivers a fast, reliable, and fully compliant channel for remitting funds from Thailand to mainland China, adhering to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) regulations.

This collaboration leverages LianLian Global’s innovative LianLian Global Payout Service (LGPS) to ensure that remittances are processed with SAFE approval, significantly reducing the risk of funds being frozen.

The solution facilitates seamless B2B, C2C, and B2C transfers to China, providing businesses and individuals with a remittance process that is efficient and transparent. The partnership aims to provide a secure and transparent channel that adheres to all SAFE regulations, ensuring funds are transferred quickly and efficiently with minimised risk.

LGPS offers a faster, more cost-effective and reliable method for automating international payments by leveraging LianLian Global’s extensive global payout network with over 60 licenses worldwide. This empowers financial institutions and PSPs to provide streamlined, transparent global payments to their clients, ensuring recipients receive the full intended amount while optimizing speed and cost.

LianLian Global, as a core cross-border payment brand of Lianlian DigiTech (Stock Code: 2598.HK), is a comprehensive and innovative enterprise in cross-border finance and services in China. LianLian Global, together with industry eco-partners, has created a one-stop cross-border trade service platform that integrates store opening assistance, global funds collection, global acquiring, global payout, Lianlian FX[1], Lianlian financing service platform[2], tax refund assistance and other services to help Chinese brands expand their overseas markets. 

[1] The exchange rate of LianLian Global FX business is provided by partner banks
[2] The financing products and corresponding contents displayed on the Lianlian financing service platform are provided by relevant licensed institutions

The Twelve Victory Group of Companies strives to be a leader in foreign exchange services by offering more than 30 different currencies to our customers at a very reasonable rate. In the currency exchange business, the Company is one of the key components to support the country’s economic growth. including education, exports, international trade, foreign investment and the tourism sector. The company has foreseen the massive inflow of foreign currencies into Thailand, hence our aspiration to extend our range of comprehensive services base to both domestically and internationally.

FinVolution Showcases Next-Generation AI Lending and Credit Risk Management Technology at Money20/20 Asia

BANGKOK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FinVolution Group (“FinVolution”), a leading fintech platform, showcases its latest advancements in AI-powered lending and credit risk management at Money20/20 Asia, held in Bangkok from April 22 to 24. The premier fintech event brings together innovators from across the global digital finance ecosystem to explore the future of financial services.

At the conference, FinVolution demonstrates how its cutting-edge credit technologies are driving financial inclusion and operational efficiency across China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The company also hosts four topical sessions at its dedicated booth, highlighting real-world applications of AI across risk management, marketing, and operations.

Photo of FinVolution booth at Money20/20 Asia
Photo of FinVolution booth at Money20/20 Asia

Industry Leaders Share Insights on AI’s Role in Fintech

Lei Chen, Vice President of FinVolution, CEO of JuanScore, opened the sessions with a keynote titled “From Risk to Reward: Strengthening Risk Management in the Age of Large Language Models (LLMs).”

“AI, especially LLMs, has fundamentally reshaped credit risk assessment, but the human element remains vital,” said Lei Chen. “We must ensure that innovation is guided by strong ethical standards and operational transparency. At FinVolution, we’re focused on building agile, collaborative systems that blend data intelligence with human judgment to manage risk responsibly.”

FinVolution hosted sharing sessions at its booth.
FinVolution hosted sharing sessions at its booth.

Sheikh Omer Nasim, CEO of Daira, delivered a session on fintech’s role in driving financial literacy in Pakistan. “Financial literacy is essential to unlocking the full potential of digital finance, yet too many communities in South Asia are still excluded from the system,” said Sheikh Omer Nasim. “With Daira, we aim to close this gap through user-friendly, tech-enabled education and borrowing tools that foster better financial decisions and broader economic inclusion.”

Joseph Ruan, COO of FinVolution’s Philippines business, discussed how FinVolution empowers banks through loan channeling across diverse markets. “Loan channeling is transforming traditional banking partnerships by integrating fintech agility with institutional scale,” said Ruan. “Our AI and Big Data technologies help partner banks lend with greater precision, reaching underserved borrowers while maintaining strong risk control.”

Max Liu, Director of Strategy at FinVolution, shared his perspective on emerging CreditTech trends in Asia & Latin America. “Asia and Latin America are becoming global growth engines for fintech. Each market presents unique challenges, but the demand for smart, scalable credit solutions is rising fast. FinVolution’s cross-regional insights and technology stack position us well to lead in both regions,” said Liu.

Driving Innovation and Global Growth

FinVolution’s commitment to AI innovation continues to drive its strong financial and operational momentum. In 2024, the company upgraded its proprietary AI model trained on 17 years of credit data, boosting its fraud detection accuracy to up to 98%. The company also reported a potential 60% reduction in advertising content production costs through AI-generated creative testing.

Photo of briefing of FinVolution to conference attendee
Photo of briefing of FinVolution to conference attendee

International expansion has also been a key highlight. By the end of 2024, FinVolution’s registered users outside China reached 35.7 million, with cumulative borrowers surpassing 7 million—a 45.8% increase year-over-year. A key milestone was the launch of Daira in Pakistan, extending the company’s reach into one of Asia’s most promising frontier markets.

About FinVolution Group:

Founded in 2007 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2017, FinVolution Group has been at the forefront of the pan-Asian credit technology industry, pioneering innovations in credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data, and artificial intelligence. With a proven track record of robust growth in pan-Asian countries, it has established leading fintech platforms in China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Pakistan.

Visit our official website: en.finvgroup.com

Kelun-Biotech to Present Results of Six Clinical Studies at 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting

CHENGDU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (6990.HK) announced that it will present results from six Kelun-led clinical studies at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3. Results include data from its TROP2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), anti-PD-L1 mAb tagitanlimab, and RET inhibitor KL590586 (A400/EP0031). The abstracts for these studies will be published on the ASCO’s official website on May 22, 2025, local time.

Detailed information on the studies selected for ASCO 2025 are as follows:

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in patients (pts) with previously treated advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results from the randomized OptiTROP-Lung03 study.
Presentation Type: Oral
Abstract Number: 8507
Session Date and Time: 6/1/2025 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT

Title: Tagitanlimab versus placebo in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC): Results from a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study.
Presentation Type: Oral
Abstract Number: 6004
Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:15 PM-4:15 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (a/m TNBC): Initial results from the Phase II OptiTROP-Breast05 study.
Presentation Type: Rapid oral
Abstract Number: 1019
Session Date and Time: 5/30/2025 2:45 PM-4:15 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in combination with tagitanlimab (anti-PD-L1) in first-line (1L) advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Non-squamous cohort from the phase II OptiTROP-Lung01 study.
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract Number: 8529
Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in patients (pts) with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic (LA/M) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring uncommon EGFR mutations: Preliminary results from a phase 2 study.
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract Number: 8615
Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

Title: Results from a phase I study of KL590586 in patients with advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract Number: 6098
Session Date and Time: 6/2/2025 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

About Sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer (BC), gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan).

To date, two indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting) and EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Sac-TMT became the first domestic ADC with global intellectual property rights to be fully approved for marketing. It is also the world’s first TROP2 ADC to be approved for marketing in a lung cancer indication. In addition, the NDA application for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with EGFR-mutant locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and was included in the priority review and approval process. As of today, Kelun-Biotech has initiated 8 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 12 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD.

About Tagitanlimab

Tagitanlimab is the first PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) globally to receive authorization for the first-line treatment of NPC. Previously, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the marketing in China of tagitanlimab used in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with R/M NPC and monotherapy for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC who have failed after prior 2L+ chemotherapy, respectively.

About KL590586 (A400/EP0031)

A400, a novel next-generation selective RET inhibitor for NSCLC, MTC and other solid tumors with a high prevalence of RET alterations. We are currently conducting pivotal clinical study for both 1L and 2L+ advanced RET+ NSCLC as well as a phase 1b/2 clinical study for RET+ MTC and solid tumor in China.

In March 2021, we granted Ellipses Pharma, a U.K.-based international oncology drug development company, an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize this agent outside Greater China and certain Asian countries under the code EP0031.

In March 2024, it was announced that EP0031/A400 was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of RET-fusion positive NSCLC. In April 2024, EP0031/A400 was cleared by the FDA to progress into Phase 2 clinical development and is now open in the US, UK, EU and UAE.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage, and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage, and multiple ADC or novel ADC projects in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/.

Canton Fair Connects Global Buyers with Chinese Suppliers for Emerging Trends Like Glamping

GUANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At its 137th session, China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) continues to demonstrate its capacity to respond swiftly to evolving global consumer trends. With its broad product range and competent pool of suppliers, the Fair offers overseas buyers an efficient, one-stop platform to source tailored solutions for emerging lifestyle demands, such as the growing glamping economy in North America and Europe.

Glamping, short for “glamorous camping,” caters to younger generations who value outdoor escapes without compromising comfort. This market is evolving beyond tents and sleeping bags to a large, fancy tent with additional items that blend luxury with nature. Whether for portable appliances or smart outdoor gear, the Canton Fair connects trend-driven buyers with suppliers ready to deliver quality, innovation, and scale.

Guangdong ICECO Enterprise Co., Ltd., a manufacturer that offers a range of camping accessories, including cooler boxes and mobile fridges, believes that its new series of portable fridges and freezers is an ideal option for glamping. “These metal classics freezers reflect both durability and refined aesthetics,” said Rain Xie, Director of the Product Department at ICECO. With dual-zone functionality for cooling and freezing, the products meet the complex needs of today’s outdoor lifestyles. As a long-time participant of Canton Fair, ICECO has leveraged the Fair to expand its global footprint and looks forward to further engagement during Phase 3, which will feature a sports and tourism leisure products zone and present more solutions for glamping business owners.

Zhejiang Sorbo Technology Co., Ltd., known for its diverse portfolio of outdoor electronics, including mosquito-killer lamps and multi-functional camping lights, provides essence elements that help create a peaceful and cozy glamping atmosphere. One of its patented products, a rechargeable fly fan with lamp repellent, speaks directly to the comfort and convenience expectations of glamping enthusiasts who might bothered by mosquitoes and flies outdoors. Its multi-functional repellent camping lantern combines a camping light, mosquito repellent, and charger into a single, easy-to-carry device, making it ideal for late-night campfire chats or early-morning trail preparations. 

Renowned as one of the world’s largest trade fairs, the Canton Fair stands out for its vast exhibit range and the strong manufacturing and customization capabilities of its exhibitor, empowering global buyers to source various products for trend-aligned solutions like those needed in the glamping boom.

 

THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025: Driving Innovation & Global Opportunities in F&B for Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific’s most influential F&B trade show returns to Bangkok 27-31 May 2025 – spotlighting a renewed focus on functional, purpose-driven F&B products, emerging markets and global sourcing opportunities.

Highlights include:

  • THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 expects to host over 90,000+ trade visitors and up to 2,000+ top hosted buyers, with more than 3,100+ exhibitors from over 50+ countries and regions expected to participate.
  • Expanded international presence with new participation from Central Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, alongside new country and regional pavilions from Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands — expanding the event’s global sourcing footprint.

SINGAPORE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025, Asia Pacific’s most influential F&B trade event, will return on 27 – 31 May 2025, at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. This trade show will bring together industry players, thought-leaders, startup founders, and C-suite executives from across the globe to define and shape global trends on what we eat and how the industry is evolving.

Organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse, the event will welcome over 3,100+ exhibitors from more than 50+ countries and regions, 2,000+ hosted buyers and 90,000+ trade visitors from around the world.

Reflecting the growing diversity of global supply chains, this year’s show welcomes new countries and regions from emerging markets such as Central Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, including Gabon, Slovenia, Slovakia and Uzbekistan, while maintaining a strong presence of returning exhibitors and leading global players from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East. New pavilions from Australia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands will further expand sourcing opportunities for buyers across the region.

“At THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA this year, we are seeing a surge in purpose-driven innovation, as exhibitors, startups and speakers rethink how products can deliver more functional and targeted F&B products”, said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific at Koelnmesse. “Some are beginning to use real-time intelligence and AI to create smarter, consumer-responsive products and that is where we see THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA as the launchpad to showcase these ideas — from functional foods to ready-to-eat formats that reflect the needs of Asia Pacific’s rapidly shifting consumer landscape.”

Spotlighting the evolution of F&B trends

Themed ‘Beyond Food Experience’, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 will explore how food and beverage continues to evolve in response to changing consumer expectations, particularly the growing demand for purpose-driven F&B products that deliver functional benefits. This will be reflected across a series of special and supporting events, including:

  • THAIFEX – ANUGA Trend Zone: Curated by knowledge partner Innova Market Insights, this zone presents the top global and regional trends driving food innovation today.
  • THAIFEX – ANUGA tasteInnovation Show: Showcases the finalists and winners of innovative products, such as plant-based foods and alternative proteins, which are being incorporated into ready-to-eat meals and snacks without altering taste or texture.
  • THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup: A platform for 30 breakthrough innovators and disruptors to pitch their solutions to potential buyers, investors and industry leaders — giving them a first look at disruptive concepts shaping the next phase of F&B.
  • Future Food Experience+ and the Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge: A thought-leadership platform that features 70+ leaders and experts from Griffith Foods, Euromonitor International, Tetra Pak Thailand and more. The live tasting challenge invites trade visitors to sample and vote for their favourite alternative protein products on 27 May, with winners announced on 28 May.
  • Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge: More than 400 chefs from across the world will compete in 20+ culinary categories from authentic Asian dishes to contemporary global cuisines, judged by 57 renowned experts from 12 countries, including Willment Leong, Aiden Jongsung Ahn, Batbaatar Ragchaa and Rudy Muller from Worldchefs Association.

Accelerating Asia Pacific’s F&B growth momentum

As Asia Pacific’s food and beverage market continues to expand, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA stands at the centre of this regional growth, serving as a key platform for innovation, sourcing, and deal-making. According to Cognitive Market Research[1], the Asia Pacific F&B market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031, on the back of how the diverse cultures and traditions in APAC have constantly evolved the F&B business landscape.

While hosted in Thailand — a vital gateway to the region — the event connects the entire Asia Pacific market, benefiting from Thailand’s export strength and central role in regional trade flows. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand’s food exports are expected to grow by 2% in 2024, reaching USD 40.7 billion, reflecting broader market shifts across Asia Pacific.

Registration Now Open: Discover F&B Innovations

Discover transformative trends, connect with the world’s leading F&B decision-makers, and position your business for future growth. Visitors are highly encouraged to register here: https://registration.thaifex-anuga.com

Media professionals across the world are invited to explore and share compelling stories about the transformative trends shaping Asia Pacific’s F&B landscape. For media accreditation, please visit: https://forms.gle/RZs6nQMg8fjvxmwg8 

For more details, visit www.thaifex-anuga.com or refer to the Appendix here.

THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2025 at a Glance

Date:

27 – 31 May 2025

Venue:

IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand

Website:

www.thaifex-anuga.asia

Hashtag:

#THAIFEXANUGAAsia2025

#THAIFEX

#BeyondFoodExperience

 

[1] Cognitive

 

Rhenus Group Strengthens LATAM Region as Blu Logistics Rebrands to Rhenus Logistics


MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2025 – The Rhenus Group, a global logistics solutions provider, has announced the official rebranding of Blu Logistics LATAM to Rhenus Logistics, following its acquisition in 2023. The rebranding will enhance the Group’s footprint and operational integration across Latin America, as BLU Logistics LATAM will now commercially operate under the Rhenus Logistics name in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This transition complements and strengthens Rhenus existing operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, while further expanding its service portfolio with a focus on Air & Ocean and warehousing solutions. The unified brand identity of the two family-owned companies will offer customers greater consistency, connectivity and access to the Groups global standards, capabilities, and service portfolio. Rhenus’ expertise in supporting the India-LATAM trade lane will also play a pivotal role in this milestone.

The rebrand comes amid a period of significant growth across the region. In 2024, the combined operations of Rhenus Logistics LATAM and BLU Logistics LATAM handled over 210,000 TEUs in full container load (FCL) shipments, a 16.67% increase compared to the 180,000 TEUs managed by BLU Logistics LATAM alone in 2023. As a result of its strong positioning and ranking in ocean freight, particularly on the Far East Asia to LATAM trade lane, Rhenus Logistics is recognized as a leading freight forwarder in the region. To continue supporting customer and market demands, the company has expanded its regional footprint with new office openings. Most recently, in March, Rhenus Brazil inaugurated a new branch in Belo Horizonte, strengthening its presence in key logistics hubs throughout the country. LATAM’s growing relevance in global trade is evident through increasing cargo volumes from Asia, India, Europe, and the United States.

“For the Rhenus Group, this rebranding marks a new era in Latin America and reinforces our long-term commitment to the region,” said Tobias Bartz, CEO of the Rhenus Group. “It reflects both our local success and our global ambition. We’ve seen remarkable growth and continue to identify strong opportunities across the region. This rebranding connects the shared identity of two family-owned companies unifying as one. It strengthens our footprint in Latin America and offers our customers greater efficiency, visibility, and the opportunity to grow their business with us, now fully integrated into our global network, portfolio of services and capabilities.”

As India strengthens its role as a global manufacturing and export hub, and Latin America continues to thrive as a source of agriculture, energy and raw materials, trade potential between the regions is accelerating. The India–Latin America trade lane is evolving rapidly, driven by growing demand and sectoral synergies, highlighting the strategic relevance of the company’s expanded presence in Latin America to support key trade flows with India.

“The ongoing collaboration through BRICS — with Brazil and India cooperating — and several free trade agreements between India and various Latin American countries are playing a pivotal role in strengthening this partnership,” said Bhaswar Arya, Joint Managing Director of Rhenus India. “These frameworks are enhancing bilateral engagement, easing market access and creating fertile ground for deeper economic cooperation. We see immense potential across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, agro-commodities, textiles and technology. Moreover, improved ocean and air connectivity, alongside policy-driven efforts from both regions, is accelerating the momentum of trade.”

With deep roots in both regions and a growing network of integrated services, Rhenus is uniquely positioned to support customers across key India–Latin America trade corridors. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, it remains focused on delivering efficient, customer-centric solutions that unlock new value and drive long-term growth across continents.

Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Thailand Reviews Visa-Free Entry Amid Concerns of Illegal Stays, Drop in Chinese Tourism

Thailand Reviews Visa-Free Entry Amid Concerns of Illegal Stays, Drop in Chinese Tourism
A crowd of tourists visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. (Photo credit: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a review of the country’s visa-free entry scheme following reports of foreign nationals overstaying their visits and working illegally, government spokesman Jirayu Huangsu announced on 21 April.

Samsung Malaysia Launches 2025 Bespoke AI Appliances for a Smarter, Simpler, and More Secure AI Home

Offering upgraded AI features and intelligent screens that deliver a more intuitive and seamless home experience

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Malaysia Electronics today announced the future of home living with the official launch of its 2025 Bespoke AI lineup of home appliances: Bespoke AI Side by Side Refrigerator, Bespoke AI Laundry Top Load and Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. Designed to bring greater ease and intelligence to everyday routines, these appliances feature smart functionalities that adapt to user behaviours, improve energy use and integrate effortlessly into today’s connected lifestyles.

Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics officially unveiling the latest Bespoke AI Home Appliances lineup.
Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics officially unveiling the latest Bespoke AI Home Appliances lineup.

“At Samsung, we aim to make everyday living easier through meaningful AI innovation. With our Bespoke AI appliances, we are bringing advanced AI Home to more households, offering intelligent solutions that redefine modern living. Powered by seamless SmartThings connectivity, trusted Knox Security, and natural voice interaction through Bixby, we are transforming how consumers interact with and manage their home appliances,” said Mr. Charles Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

The latest appliances also feature built-in screens and voice control, enabling users to access essential information and manage their home environment anytime, anywhere.

Personalized, Smarter Food Storage: Bespoke AI Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Powered by AI, the 2025 594L Bespoke AI Side-by-Side Refrigerator now features a sleek new design and a 9-inch LCD AI Home screen. This smart display enables seamless communication across all Samsung devices, using voice commands via Bixby. It also supports Multi-Device Experience (MDE), connecting everything from smartphones to home appliances – letting users take calls, play music, and even receive recipe suggestions via SmartThings Food Management. With full control at their fingertips, users can monitor food storage in real time, making grocery shopping smarter and more efficient.

This refrigerator includes thoughtful AI features such as Auto Open Door. Fitted with sensors on both sides, it detects when the user’s hands are full and opens automatically with a light touch or a voice command, eliminating hassle in everyday routines. For energy efficiency, the AI Energy Mode within SmartThings helps reduce power consumption by up to 10%.[1] It constantly tracks energy usage, estimates the monthly electricity bill, and provides smart suggestions to save energy. Once activated, it optimizes the compressor speed and defrost cycle frequency based on real-time environmental conditions. To maintain a fresher, cleaner fridge environment, it also features a built-in UV deodorizer and filter that maintain fresh air circulation and help eliminate odours daily.

Smarter, Quieter, Cleaner: Bespoke AI Laundry Top Load 
To eliminate the hassle of complicated laundry routines, Samsung has introduced AI technology in its 13kg-21kg Bespoke AI™ Top-Load Washer, making laundry easier, more convenient, and effortless. With three key AI functions — AI Wash, AI Energy Mode, and AI Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+™) — the new washers offer an intelligent, efficient, and quiet washing experience. AI Wash detects fabric type and load weight, adjusting settings like water level, agitation, and wash/rinse times for optimal results. Users can reduce their washer’s energy consumption using SmartThings AI Energy Mode[2]. When selected for certain cycles[3], it intelligently helps reduce energy use by up to 20%[4] through an enhanced algorithm to intelligently cut energy use[5]. Meanwhile, AI VRT+™ technology analyses sensor data to minimize noise and vibration, delivering a quieter laundry experience regardless of the floor type.

The new top loaders feature Ecobubble™ technology for more efficient cleaning with less fabric damage. It combines BubbleStorm™, which dissolves detergent into foam for quicker fabric penetration, and Dual Storm™, which promotes thorough mixing of bubbles and clothes. This system uses up to 25% less energy [6] and up to 13% less water[7], washes 2.5 times faster[8] and provides up to 20% better fabric care[9], reducing wear on clothes.

Compatible with SmartThings, users can remotely monitor and control their laundry. For added peace of mind, the Digital Inverter Motor is covered by a 20-year warranty[10], offering long-lasting durability and reliable performance.

Our Most Powerful Cleaning Performance: Bespoke AI Jet Ultra
Also making its debut is Samsung’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. Delivering powerful suction of up to 400W[11], it effortlessly tackles even the tough cleaning tasks. At its core is the HexaJet Motor, designed with a hexagonal stator structure, a second-stage diffuser, and a thinner impeller for optimized airflow and motor efficiency. The motor also allows for up to 100 minutes of cleaning on a single charge in Min mode, making it ideal for cleaning the entire home in one session.

Equipped with the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0, the vacuum detects brush load and air pressure, automatically optimizing performance across six cleaning environments. Whether using the Active Dual Brush or Slim LED Brush+, it delivers Mid Mode-level performance while reducing battery usage and enhancing maneuverability.[12] The vacuum’s Multi-layered Filtration System captures fine dust with 99.999% efficiency[13]. Its HEPA filtration technology traps particles as small as 0.3µm, helping to prevent dust from being released back into the air.

Built-in Wi-Fi and SmartThings connectivity allow users to monitor vacuum performance remotely, while the onboard LCD screen displays alerts, battery status, and even call notifications—enhancing convenience during cleaning.

Reliable Experiences with Enhanced Knox Security
Backed by Samsung’s trusted security technology, the latest lineup features Samsung Knox, which protects user data with multi-layered security—enabling a reliable smart home experience with greater peace of mind. Knox Vault also makes its debut in home appliances, securely storing sensitive data such as passwords in a dedicated hardware chip.

To further safeguard against potential future quantum attacks, Samsung has incorporated Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) into Knox Matrix Credential Sync for screen-equipped products. Additionally, Samsung is enhancing product maintenance with SmartThings Home Care, which uses AI to monitor the status of appliances and sends notifications when issues are detected. Technical support representatives can also provide remote assistance based on pre-diagnosis results.

Learn more about the 2025 Bespoke AI Home Appliances, visit:
https://www.samsung.com/my/home-appliances/bespoke-home/

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

SAMSUNG MALAYSIA ELECTRONICS (SME) SDN BHD [Company No. 200301026766(629186-D)]

[1] Based on internal testing. The test results are based on a comparison of the factory setting temperature when using AI Energy mode and without using AI Energy mode. Results may vary depending on the usage conditions and patterns. SmartThings is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[2] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[3] Can be applied on the Normal, AI Wash, Super Clean, Jeans, Aqua Preserve, Towels and Clean Wash courses.

[4] Tested by Samsung on a WA80F/24 model with a 4kg load using a AI Wash course and water level 6. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek.

[5] The washing course time may be increased when using AI Energy Mode.

[6] Tested by Samsung with WA80F/24 11kg model with Ecobubble™ and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble™ and a normal cycle without Ecobubble™. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek.

[7] Results may vary by model. Tested by Samsung with WA80F/24 11kg model with Ecobubble™ and Digital Inverter motor, using an IEC 3kg load (water level 4), comparing a normal cycle with Ecobubble™ and a normal cycle without Ecobubble™. Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek.

[8] Based on internal testing on the WA80F/24 11kg model, using Artificially Soiled Fabric (EMPA 120), compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.

[9] Based on the severity of washing action index of the WA80F/24 11kg model, compared to a Samsung conventional washing machine. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.

[10] The 20 year parts warranty is only applicable to the inverter motor, as of April 2024.

[11] Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to cordless stick vacuum models available on the market with a stated suction power within 15% of the actual suction power of the Samsung model tested by SLG. Based on sales data between January 2024 and December 2024 as compiled by an independent market research institute.

[12] Based on internal testing. When using the Active Dual Brush, battery consumption is reduced by up to 14% and maneuverability is improved by up to 6%. When using the Slim LED Brush+, battery consumption is reduced by up to 21% and maneuverability is improved by up to 8%. Performance may vary depending on actual usage conditions.

[13] Based on internal test in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.11 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage conditions.