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Gaw Capital Partners and GFH Partners Form JV to Develop UAE Industrial and Logistics Development Platform

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR/DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Gaw Capital Partners, a leading multi-asset investment management firm, and GFH Partners, a leading Dubai-based real estate investment firm specializing in thematic property solutions, announce to establish a UAE-focused industrial and logistics platform (the “Platform”) through a joint venture partnership. Gaw Capital will hold a majority stake in the joint-venture company, which will serve as a gateway for the Asian capital to be deployed at-scale into the rapidly expanding UAE real estate market. The joint venture will be targeting high-quality industrial development projects comprising pre-identified seed assets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirates’ fast-growing industrial zones.

Gaw Capital Partners and GFH Partners Form JV to Develop UAE Industrial and Logistics Development Platform

The developments will be led by Manrre Developments, a joint venture between GFH and Palmon Group, a seasoned UAE-based industrial conglomerate with over 40 years of institutional experience. This partnership unites proven regional expertise across acquisition, planning and design, development, execution, and operational readiness to deliver exceptional, future-ready warehouses and logistics centres.

Harry Ip, Managing Director of Gaw Capital, said, “We are thrilled to enter UAE’s flourishing industrial and logistics market, supported by strong fundamentals, the surge in structural demand driven by government-led initiatives, and heightened global interest in the logistics and industrial asset class. Leveraging the expertise from GFH Partners, this partnership positions us as one of Asia’s leading forerunners in delivering prime industrial facilities in the UAE, providing investors with exposure to a fundamentally undersupplied market.”

Nael Mustafa, CEO of GFH Partners, commented, “GFH Partners brings on-the-ground specialists, experienced local operators, and a strong track record managing logistics and industrial assets across the GCC. This joint venture allows us to scale that regional expertise even further, capitalizing on the UAE’s robust industrial growth trajectory. Through this partnership with Gaw Capital, we are combining regional insight with global capability to unlock new opportunities in the UAE’s expanding industrial and logistics sector.”

The Platform is being launched at a time of strong macroeconomic momentum, supported by the UAE’s long-term development strategies including the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Majority of these initiatives are aimed at accelerating industrial diversification, attracting FDI, and expanding logistics infrastructure. The local government offers a list of pro-business regulatory and fiscal policies, including tax exemptions, customs duty exemption, simplified regulations in 40+ free zones, and relaxed foreign ownership limitation, to accelerate logistics demand and investment. Furthermore, the population of the UAE has experienced dramatic growth and is expected to reach 12.2 million by 2030, driven by the long-term residency incentives (e.g. Golden Visa), competitive tax regime, openings of prestigious school campuses for expatriate professional and family relocation.

Demand for logistics and industrial assets remains robust, supported by a persistent supply–demand imbalance. Dubai’s warehouse and logistics occupancy currently exceeds 97%, with rental rates increasing 33% year-on-year. The formation of the Platform will mark Gaw Capital’s first geographic footprint in the logistics sector in the UAE, demonstrating its global network and cross-border expertise in accessing industrial and logistics investments ahead of the curve.

Gaw Capital has established a robust logistics footprint across China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Australia, with investments in 39 projects totalling approximately 3.8 million sqm of GFA. As of Q3 2025, Gaw Capital manages over US$3.4 billion in assets under management in its global logistics portfolio.

Since 2014, the firm has acquired, developed, and managed a substantial portfolio of modern logistics facilities with over 3 million sqm of GFA across China, supported by a team of around 100 professionals through 4 investment vehicles. Leveraging its deep expertise, Gaw Capital has expanded into other APAC markets through strategic partnerships, acquiring high-quality assets in key metropolitan hubs. Recent investments include seven logistics assets in Greater Tokyo (nearly 250,000 sqm GFA), one in Seoul (over 75,000 sqm GFA), two in Vietnam (over 210,000 sqm GFA) and six urban industrial and logistics warehouses in Sydney (over 45,000 sqm GFA). The firm’s in-house teams and operating partners deliver value-added services across the logistics value chain, including development, construction, leasing, and property management.
Hashtag: #GawCapitalPartners #GFHPartners

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

About Gaw Capital Partners

Based in Asia, Gaw Capital Partners is a multi-asset investment management firm focusing on real estate, growth equity, private credit and infrastructure markets globally.

Since its inception in 2005, the firm has raised seven commingled funds targeting Asia Pacific, alongside value-add /opportunistic funds in the U.S., a Pan-Asia Hospitality Fund, a European Hospitality Fund, a Growth Equity Fund and a Credit Fund. It also manages credit strategies and separate account direct investments globally.

Gaw Capital has consistently generated high yields by revitalizing underperforming assets, enhancing value through creative financing solutions and leveraging deep expertise in capital allocation.

Since 2005, the firm has managed US$35.8 billion in assets and raised US$24.4 billion in equity as of Q2 2025.

About GFH Partners Ltd.

GFH Partners Ltd. (“GFH Partners”) is the DIFC-based global asset management subsidiary of GFH Financial Group B.S.C. (“GFH”). Headquartered in Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, GFH Partners is dedicated to real estate investment and asset management across diverse markets. With assets under management exceeding US$7 billion and investments spanning the US, UK, and GCC. GFH Partners focuses on strategic partnerships and innovative real estate solutions, reinforcing its role as a leading player in global asset management.

Lao Man Caught Smuggling Suspected Recreational Drug Across Mekong to Thailand

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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A Lao national was arrested in Thailand after authorities seized 27 kilograms of a suspected recreational drug smuggled across the Mekong River, with investigations ongoing. (Photo credit: 7HD News)

Thai authorities arrested a 51-year-old Lao national for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of a suspected illicit substance across the Mekong River into Thailand, according to Thai media reports.

Thai outlet 7HD News reported on 27 December that police in Bueng Kan district apprehended the suspect, identified only as Jut, while monitoring the Mekong River opposite Bolikhamxay Province in central Laos.

Officers spotted the man carrying a cardboard box near the riverbank. Authorities pursued him and later recovered two boxes from the river containing 526 sachets of a substance commonly known as “Happy Water.”

Police said the substance is suspected to contain gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a chemical that affects the central nervous system. GHB affects the nervous system and can cause alertness, pleasure, and sexual arousal, but it is also widely misused to incapacitate victims, particularly in cases of sexual assault.

The seized drugs weighed approximately 27 kilograms, with an estimated street value of more than THB 1.5 million (USD 45,000). Police also confiscated the long-tail boat allegedly used in the smuggling attempt.

During questioning, the suspect told authorities he received the drugs from Laos on behalf of a Thai national based in Bangkok. He said he was instructed to send the shipment to Nonthaburi Province through a logistics company. The man admitted he had completed one previous delivery for THB 10,000 (USD 320) and was promised THB 35,000 (USD 1,115) for the current shipment.

Thai authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in the smuggling network and to determine the exact composition of the seized substance.

Samsung Presents ‘Your Companion to AI Living’ at The First Look during CES 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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Next-generation AI-powered devices and experiences to be showcased at the company’s exclusive exhibition through January 7

SYDNEY, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled its “Companion to AI Living” vision at The First Look, its CES® 2026 event held in the Latour Ballroom at the Wynn Las Vegas. The focus of the event was on AI as Samsung’s philosophy; a foundation that connects the company’s R&D product development, operations, and user experience.

TM Roh, CEO and Head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, opened The First Look by describing the company’s AI and how, due to its vast, AI-enabled, connected ecosystem, Samsung can provide users with an elevated experience in their daily life. This approach gives users a chance to access more than just the basics from their technology and instead, provides opportunities to find more meaningful moments everywhere.

“Samsung is building a more unified, more personal experience across mobile, visual display, home appliances and services,” said CEO TM Roh. “With our global connected ecosystem, and by embedding AI across categories, Samsung is leading the way to offer more meaningful everyday AI experiences.”

Entertainment Companion: Extending the Experience Beyond Simple Viewing

SW Yong, President and Head of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics, and Sukhmani Mohta, Chief Marketing and Partnerships Officer, VD Business at Samsung Electronics America took the stage to describe how Samsung’s displays are combining hardware excellence and visual intelligence to provide a true entertainment companion. Drawing from twenty years of leading the TV industry, Samsung has built a full AI TV lineup that provides an entirely new way for users to interact with their TV.

The centre of the display lineup is the 130-inch Micro RGB, which represents a monumental leap in scale and picture quality. The 130-inch Micro RGB marks a new era of colour, featuring the widest and most detailed spectrum ever seen in Samsung TVs while its Timeless Frame design helps to minimise distractions and allows the picture to take centre stage with understated elegance. A micro-sized RGB light source drives the incredible picture quality, with each micro-sized red, green, and blue diode shining independently to produce colour in its purest, most natural form. Micro RGB AI Engine Pro[1] enables precise control of RGB colors and creates overwhelmingly vivid picture quality in virtually every scene.

Elevating this next-level viewing experience, Vision AI Companion (VAC) uses AI technology to work alongside users as an entertainment companion to enhance viewing.

Samsung also offers intuitive modes to personalise the viewing experience. For soccer fans, AI Soccer Mode Pro delivers a more exciting gameday experience through AI-driven picture and sound tuning to near stadium-level quality. AI Sound Controller Pro[2] lets you raise or lower the volume of the crowd, commentary, or background music, providing a personalised listening experience for TV shows and movies. Users can simply make verbal requests, and any TV equipped with VAC – which includes Micro RGB, OLED, Neo QLED, and UHD TV[3] – contextually carries out those requests.

The Movingstyle is designed to move easily throughout the home and kitchen appliances, for a multi-device experience achieved through complete ecosystem integration.

Samsung has led the global soundbar market for 11 consecutive years[4]. This year, it is introducing two new WiFi speakers, the Music Studio 5 and 7, to further expand its integrated ecosystem. These models support a wider range of sound system combinations, enhance audiovisual quality, and improve the aesthetics of any space. Each model shares a timeless, dot design concept by renowned designer Erwan Bouroullec, inspired by a universal symbol in music and art, and grounded in Samsung’s signature design language.

Samsung also unveiled a host of new products that blend beautifully with users’ homes and aesthetics.  The new, ultra-thin Samsung OLED S95H features a refined bezel that gives it art gallery elegance, and Samsung’s new portable projector, The Freestyle+, supported by VAC, allows users to view content on walls and ceilings, as well as uneven surfaces like corners and curtains.

The 2026 TV lineup[5] supports HDR10+ ADVANCED, delivering enhanced brightness, genre-based optimisation, intelligent motion smoothing, advanced local tone mapping, and improved gaming experience.

Samsung also unveiled its most advanced Odyssey gaming monitor lineup yet, introducing five new models that push the boundaries of resolution, refresh rate, and immersive visual performance. Led by Samsung’s first 6K 3D Odyssey G9, the 2026 lineup debuts Samsung’s first display technologies for gamers and creators, including the next-generation Odyssey G6 and three new Odyssey G8 models.

At the centre of all these display innovations is the most powerful Tizen OS[6] yet. Users can now enjoy seven years of Tizen OS upgrades, ensuring that TVs continue to evolve long after they have entered the home.

Simon Howe, Director – AV, Samsung Australia said “With leading innovation and scale spanning TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile experiences, and services, Samsung is uniquely positioned to deliver trusted, reliable, and cutting edge, AI-powered products that adapt to your routines and support everyday life in subtle, meaningful ways. Through optimised form factors and ongoing partnerships, Samsung has transformed products into companions, providing personalised, natural ways to interact with devices to meet your needs easily.”

Home Companion: Connected Smart Appliances That Guide You Through Your Day

Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances (DA) Division at Samsung Electronics, and Elizabeth Anderson, Head of Integrated Marketing, DA at Samsung Electronics America (SEA) outlined Samsung’s vision to evolve from providing home appliances to true home companions that work to eliminate the stress of daily chores.  The AI-enabled Family Hub refrigerator is the centerpiece of the home and now, with an upgrade to AI Vision built with Google Gemini, it refines living for an AI future. With this update, AI Vision unlocks existing limitations in recognising food items, seamlessly tracking what is placed into and taken out of the refrigerator, making meal planning and food management simpler than ever. The Family Hub has won 10 CES Innovation Awards, while Samsung’s AI-enabled fridges have received the award for the past three years.

Through a gamified “What’s for Today?”[7], select refrigerators provide recipe recommendations based on what is in the refrigerator or also random recommendations, reducing the stress caused by choosing what to cook. When selected, recipes show up through SmartThings Food, where users receive a step-by-step guide to help them get started instantly. The selected recipe can also be sent to connected cooking appliances to begin the process seamlessly. Video to Recipe adds even more simplicity, providing users with recommended cooking videos and converting those videos into easy-to-follow steps, allowing users to follow along while they cook without pausing the video or backtracking.

Samsung also unveiled FoodNote, a new weekly report that recaps users’ food intake patterns, from most-used ingredients and recipe recommendations, and which items it’s time to restock.  Additionally, Now Brief[8] includes more widgets on the Family Hub screen and with Voice ID[9], can distinguish between family members to display content relevant to each individual. Ultimately, these features work together to provide helpful insights and information throughout the week.

In the laundry room, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo removes the need to transfer loads of laundry, solving a major pain point for households. This year’s model comes with enhanced features like a faster super speed cycle and enhanced drying performance. Moreover, Samsung’s new Bespoke AI AirDresser is here to solve another common problem with your clothes. It features Auto Wrinkle Care, which blasts strong air and steam jets to smooth out shirts. All users have to do is hang their shirt and wait, reducing the burden in busy mornings.

Around the house, the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra, powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor, features an Active Stereo 3D Sensor to recognise liquids like coffee, juice, or even transparent liquids like water. While its camera helps with navigation, it also allows the robot vacuum to serve as a monitoring device for when users are away from home. Plus, with a smarter Bixby, users can speak conversationally to their robot vacuum to carry out tasks with ease. For the deep level of connectivity and integration that forms the backbone of a holistic, AI-powered experience, Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances have received a CES Innovation Award.

Care Companion: Shifting From Reactive to Proactive Care

Finally, Praveen Raja, Vice President and Head of Digital Health at Samsung Research America (SRA), introduced Samsung’s long-term vision for intelligent care enabled by Samsung’s integrated device ecosystem, redefining care as a reactive need to a proactive opportunity.

For example, Samsung aims to provide a personalised wellness experience by deepening integration within its ecosystem, offering effective exercise, sleep coaching and suggesting appropriate recipes based on ingredients available in connected refrigerators.

Samsung Knox and Knox Matrix serve as the foundation of this hyper-personalised ecosystem, safeguarding user data at every turn. As AI is constantly evolving, so are Knox and Knox Matrix. To maintain security despite constant changes, Samsung’s security systems are consistently identifying AI risks by advancing to protect data in AI training processes and approving models through red team analysis.

The Samsung Exhibition Zone at CES is available to the public Jan. 4-7. For more information, visit the Samsung Newsroom.

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, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

[1] *Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. Upscaling may not apply to PC connection and Game Mode.

[2] * Performance may vary depending on installation environment and surroundings.

[3] Vision AI Companion is available on all 2026 models from UHD up and select 2025 models.

[4] Source – Omdia, Feb 2025. Based on overall TV market share by manufacturer on an annual unit & revenue basis

[5] HDR10+ ADVANCED will be available on the following models: QN990H, R95H, S95H, S90H, R850H, S85H, LS03HW, LS03H, and QN80H. 

[6] Internet connection and Samsung Account required. Data and subscription charges may apply. Apps and UI may be subject to change without notice. Agreement of the Smart Hub Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy is required before use. Tizen OS upgrades will be provided for 7 years, starting from release year 2025.

[7] A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[8] A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung, Google, or Microsoft account may be required. You must use the same log-in account on each of the devices. Availability of certain apps may vary by country, region, service provider, network environment, or device, and may change without notice.

[9] Each user must register for a Samsung Account on screen appliances in advance. Up to six accounts can be registered on a single device. To use Voice ID, users must have agreed to the Bixby terms and conditions. Voice ID registration is available on select appliances, TVs and mobiles, and only one voice can be registered per account.

 

Samsung Unveils World’s First 130-Inch Micro RGB TV Featuring Next-Generation Color and Bold New Design

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Advertorial Desk
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Debuting with advanced picture performance, the new 130-inch Micro RGB TV sets a new standard for ultra-premium displays

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the world’s first 130-inch Micro RGB TV (R95H model) at CES 2026, marking the debut of its largest Micro RGB display and a bold new design direction for ultra-premium displays.

Samsung Unveils World’s First 130-Inch Micro RGB TV Featuring Next-Generation Color and Bold New Design
Samsung Unveils World’s First 130-Inch Micro RGB TV Featuring Next-Generation Color and Bold New Design

“Micro RGB represents the peak of our picture quality innovation, and the new 130-inch model takes that vision even further,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re reviving the spirit of our original design philosophy introduced more than a decade ago to deliver an unmistakably premium display, engineered with technology for a new generation.”

Bold Design That Redefines What a TV Can Be

The Micro RGB TV’s commanding scale, next-generation color technology and striking design approach reflect Samsung’s longstanding leadership in engineering excellence united with premium aesthetics. With a monumental frame and improved audio performance, the 130-inch display is intentionally designed to appear less like a television and more like a vast, immersive window that visually expands the room.

The TV offers a modern, gallery-inspired aesthetic through the Timeless Frame, a modern evolution of Samsung’s 2013 Timeless Gallery design, now with a refined frame that embodies the philosophy of “technology as art.” Inspired by the frame of a grand architectural window, the ultra-large screen appears to float within its borders, transforming the TV into an artistic centerpiece that shapes the room. Sound integrated into the display’s frame is carefully balanced to the screen’s size, so picture and audio feel naturally connected in a space.

Ultimate Viewing Experience to Match Its Scale

The 130-inch Micro RGB model features Samsung’s most advanced Micro RGB innovations to date. Powered by Micro RGB AI Engine Pro, Micro RGB Color Booster Pro and Micro RGB HDR Pro, it leverages AI to enhance dull tones and refine contrast, delivering vivid color and subtle detail across bright and dark scenes alike for realism and picture fidelity.

The display elevates picture performance with Micro RGB Precision Color 100, delivering 100% of the BT.2020 wide color gamut. Certified by the Verband der Elektrotechnik (VDE) for precise Micro RGB color reproduction, it produces finely controlled hues that appear true to life on screen. The 130-inch model also includes Samsung’s proprietary Glare Free technology, which minimizes reflections, further preserving clear color and contrast across a variety of lighting conditions for the best viewing experience.

The product supports HDR10+ ADVANCED[1] and Eclipsa Audio to provide an enhanced picture and sound quality, as well as Samsung’s enhanced Vision AI Companion,[2] enabling conversational search, proactive recommendations and access to AI features and apps such as AI Football Mode Pro, AI Sound Controller Pro, Live Translate, Generative Wallpaper, Microsoft Copilot and Perplexity. The first-of-its-kind display will be showcased at Samsung’s Exhibition Zone during CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

[1] Samsung’s 2026 TVs are the first in the industry to implement HDR10+ ADVANCED, next-gen HDR10+ technology.

[2] Feature available in certain regions and models. Availability and supported features may vary by region and watching conditions. Voice commands recognize English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Korean, but not all accents, dialects, and expressions are recognized. This feature provides AI-created content, with accuracy not guaranteed, so results should be confirmed. Requires a specific Bluetooth remote (TM2660H/TM2661H) (sold separately on some models). In-box remote for some models (M70H/U800H) does not support voice recognition. Requires either a Mobile Quick Remote or separately purchased Bluetooth remote. Feature accessible with the AI button or the Home button (via long press) on remote controls without an AI button.

Samsung Unveils World’s First 130-Inch Micro RGB TV Featuring Next-Generation Color and Bold New Design
Samsung Unveils World’s First 130-Inch Micro RGB TV Featuring Next-Generation Color and Bold New Design

 

Amorepacific Showcases Innovative Technologies at CES 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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Award-Winning Technology and Samsung Electronics Collaboration on Display

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Amorepacific participates in CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics trade show taking place January 6 to 9 (local time) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Amorepacific's AI skin analysis and care solution, integrated into Samsung Electronics' AI Beauty Mirror
Amorepacific’s AI skin analysis and care solution, integrated into Samsung Electronics’ AI Beauty Mirror

At the event, Amorepacific will unveil Skinsight™, recognized as a CES Innovation Award Honoree in the Beauty Tech category, alongside its “AI skin analysis and care solution” developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics and beauty devices from its brand makeON.

Skinsight™, debuting at CES 2026, is a next-generation “electronic skin” platform co-developed with a research group from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The platform analyzes real-time skin-aging signals to predict aging and delivers personalized solutions tailored to individual needs. A sensor patch applied to the skin simultaneously measures multiple aging factors influenced by the exposome and lifestyle, with AI technology delivering customized care recommendations. The technology, which can track skin changes across diverse environments, will be featured at the Innovation Awards Showcase at Venetian Expo.

Amorepacific will also present its AI-powered skin analysis technology, integrated into Samsung Electronics’ “AI Beauty Mirror.” Using camera-based optical diagnostics, the technology precisely assesses pore condition, redness, pigmentation, and wrinkles, then recommends personalized skincare solutions based on a dataset of over 450,000 cases. Results from the analysis are incorporated into skincare solutions provided by makeON’s ONFACE LED Mask, equipped with 3,770 micro red LEDs, and Skin Light Therapy 3S, a personalized skincare device for daily-use, offering immediate improvements in skin condition. The solution also provides a range of beauty experiences, including product recommendations and skincare guidance. The technology will be on display at Samsung Electronics’ exclusive exhibit at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.

“Amorepacific aims to lead the global beauty and wellness industry with holistic longevity solutions,” said Hyojung Joo, Head of Digital Strategy Division at Amorepacific. “Building on the innovative technologies and products showcased at CES, we will continue to deliver integrated beauty experiences to customers worldwide.”

GenEditBio Receives FDA Clearance of IND Application for Its Lead In Vivo Genome-Editing Program GEB-101 for TGFBI Corneal Dystrophy

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GenEditBio Limited (“GenEditBio”), a clinical-stage biotechnology startup focusing on genome-editing therapeutic solutions, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application to initiate Phase 1/2 CLARITY trial activities for its lead in vivo genome-editing program GEB-101 for TGFBI corneal dystrophy.

The Phase 1/2 CLARITY trial will collect initial data on the safety, tolerability and efficacy of GEB-101 in corneal dystrophy patients with TGFBI mutation. The study has a seamless, adaptive, multicenter, sequential design. Trial participants will receive a single intrastromal injection of GEB-101. Patient enrollment is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year after site activation in the U.S.

“This regulatory IND clearance for our lead clinical asset, GEB-101, marks a momentous milestone in our commitment towards bringing transformative ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based, ready-to-act and rapid degradation editor for one-and-done in vivo genome-editing therapy with high target tissue editing and low off-target editing risk to patients globally. This achievement reflects the concerted efforts of the entire company to advance preclinical assets into clinical stage with rigorousness, professionalism, and speed,” said Zongli ZHENG, PhD, Chairman and Co-Founder of GenEditBio.

“GEB-101 is a first-in-class investigational genome-editing therapy for TGFBI corneal dystrophy. Current treatment options are limited and do not address the underlying cause, highlighting a significant unmet need for a targeted genetic approach. This IND clearance validates our robust preclinical data on safety and efficacy. We look forward to trial site activation and plan to expand the CLARITY trial through regulatory clearance in other major markets,” added Tian ZHU, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of GenEditBio.

About TGFBI Corneal Dystrophy

TGFBI corneal dystrophy is a group of genetic eye disorders caused by mutations in the TGFBI gene, resulting in progressive abnormal protein buildup and deposits in the cornea. Symptoms include photophobia, gradual vision loss and recurrent corneal erosions with debilitating pain, impacting patients’ long-term quality of life. Current treatment options include phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and corneal transplantation. Both procedures, however, have known limitations such as high rates of recurrence and the risk of sight-threatening complications, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapies.

About GEB-101

GEB-101, a wholly owned program of GenEditBio, is a first-in-class genome-editing drug candidate designed as a one-and-done treatment for TGFBI corneal dystrophy. GEB-101 is based on the CRISPR-Cas genome-editing technology that targets a particular locus in the mutated TGFBI gene. GEB-101 is encapsulated in the form of ribonucleoprotein in engineered protein delivery vehicle (PDV), a proprietary in vivo delivery system developed by GenEditBio. GEB-101 is to be administered by a single intrastromal injection and is being investigated for safety and preliminary efficacy in an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) in China.

About GenEditBio

Established in 2021 and headquartered in Hong Kong, China, GenEditBio is a clinical-stage gene therapy startup with a strategic goal of providing in vivo genome-editing therapeutic solutions (dubbed “DNA surgery”) that are fundamentally safe, precise, efficacious, and affordable for genetic diseases with unmet needs. The Company’s core areas of focus include novel Cas nuclease discovery and safe and efficient cargo delivery utilizing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and engineered protein delivery vehicle (PDV). We have research laboratories and supporting offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Boston. GenEditBio is financially backed by top-tier life science investors, including Qiming Venture Partners, Fangyuan Capital, Center Biotherapeutics, Lumosa Therapeutics, HKSTP Venture Fund, and others. For more information, please visit www.geneditbio.com.

Media Contact
geb.media@geneditbio.com

Investors Contact
bd@geneditbio.com

Traffic Accidents Surge in Vientiane During New Year 2026 Celebrations

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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This photo is used for representational purpose only.

Traffic accidents in Vientiane Capital rose sharply during the year-end and International New Year 2026 celebration period, with 28 accidents and seven fatalities recorded, according to the Traffic Police Department.

Sangkhom Phommalath, Head of the Traffic Police Department of Vientiane Capital, speaking with Lao state media, said the accidents occurred between late December 2025 and early January 2026. 

The crashes left seven people with minor injuries and three seriously injured, while 54 vehicles were damaged, including 12 with minor damage, 41 with moderate damage, and one severely damaged vehicle.

Meanwhile, fatal accidents occurred on three separate days. 

On 29 December 2025, three motorcycle riders died after crashing into a parked truck on South Nakhouay Road. The following day, two people on an electric motorcycle were killed when struck by a van in Xieng Khouan village, Hadsayfong district. 

On 1 January, a motorcyclist collided with a cow in Phonkham village, Naxaythong district, while another rider crashed into an electricity pole in Dongkoi village, Sisattanak district. Both died from their injuries.

The figures represent a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when Vientiane Capital recorded 13 accidents and one death during the New Year holiday.

Authorities said most accidents were linked to familiar causes, including drunk driving, speeding, and failure to follow traffic rules, particularly during busy holiday periods.

Traffic police urged motorists to avoid alcohol consumption before driving, respect speed limits, and follow traffic laws to reduce accidents and prevent further loss of life.

Nationwide, however, road safety showed improvement in 2025. From January to November, Laos recorded 5,740 traffic accidents causing 782 deaths and 8,873 injuries, according to Traffic Police Department Head Khamsone Sidavong. This compared to 2024’s full-year total of 6,789 accidents, 929 deaths, and 10,312 injuries.

GMA Capital Partners Joins Responsible Investment Association Australasia

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GMA Capital Partners has been approved as a member of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), reflecting the firm’s continued focus on responsible capital deployment and engagement with established sustainable investment frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region.

Headquartered in Singapore, GMA Capital Partners is a principal investment firm focused on long-term investments, structured capital solutions, and cross-border partnerships in real-economy sectors, including infrastructure, energy transition, logistics, and strategic industrial markets. Membership in RIAA provides an institutional platform for engagement on responsible investment practices, transition finance, and governance standards relevant to Australasian and regional markets.

RIAA is the peak industry body representing responsible and ethical investors across Australia and New Zealand, with a membership spanning asset owners, investment managers, financial institutions, and service providers. Through its membership, GMA Capital Partners intends to participate in industry dialogue and contribute perspectives informed by cross-border investment experience and disciplined underwriting in capital-intensive sectors.

Chasen Nevett, Managing Partner of GMA Capital Partners, said:

“Joining the Responsible Investment Association Australasia reflects our intention to engage constructively with established responsible investment frameworks and regional market participants. Our focus remains on disciplined capital deployment into real-economy assets, where long-term value creation is closely linked to governance quality, operational resilience, and credible transition pathways. We view RIAA as an appropriate forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange as sustainable finance practices continue to evolve across Australasia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

GMA Capital Partners’ approach to responsible investment emphasises commercial discipline, transparency, and alignment with credible transition pathways. The firm prioritises opportunities where sustainable practices support long-term operational resilience and durable economic outcomes, rather than short-term or symbolic commitments.

The firm looks forward to engaging with RIAA members and contributing to ongoing discussions on sustainable finance, taxonomy alignment, and transition-oriented capital solutions across the region.

About GMA Capital Partners

GMA Capital Partners is a Singapore-based investment firm focused on long-term principal investments, structured capital solutions, and cross-border partnerships. The firm operates across infrastructure, energy transition, logistics, and strategic industrial sectors, with an emphasis on disciplined capital deployment and real-economy outcomes.

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