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Onward Therapeutics Announces IMPD Approval for Its Subsidiary Emercell to Start Clinical Investigation of Allogeneic NK Cell Therapy OT-C001 in Combination with Rituximab

EPALINGES, Switzerland and PARIS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Onward Therapeutics SA, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing innovative cancer immunotherapies, announced that its subsidiary, Emercell SAS, has received Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OT-C001, an allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy, in combination with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab.

The upcoming phase 1 study (C00101 study) will enroll patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who have relapsed after, or are refractory to CAR-T cell therapy, or ineligible for CAR-T cell infusion. OT-C001 will be evaluated with Rituximab across various dose levels. The trial will also examine cellular kinetics and biomarkers to characterize the specific mechanism associated with therapeutic responses.

“We are delighted to have reached an important milestone of entering clinical development of OT-C001 following our strategic investments in Emercell since 2021,” said Dr. C. Grace Yeh, Chairman and CEO of Onward Therapeutics,”This Phase 1 trial may validate Emercell’s patented platform technology for meaningful clinical outcomes. Along with the continued optimization of industrial manufacturing, these efforts will strengthen our ability to form strategic partnerships and advance this promising therapy.”

“OT-C001 sets itself apart by utilizing a pool of multiple umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples, offering both diversity in the product and consistency across GMP batches,” said Dr. Patrick Henno, Founder and ex-President of Emercell, “unlike the complex manufacturing processes of many engineered cell therapy products, OT-C001 provides a safe and scalable solution to unmet medical needs in targeted indications.”

“We are excited to initiate this multicenter phase 1 trial in one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Dr. Alain Herrera, President of Emercell and CMO of Onward Therapeutics, “despite challenges in the cell therapy market, this achievement advances our mission to provide novel treatments for DLBCL patients in need of new therapeutic options. OT-C001 has the versatility to act as a universal platform through combinations with various monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies; it may benefit patients across multiple indications beyond DLBCL.”

About OT-C001

OT-C001 is an allogeneic cell therapy of highly activated and expanded NK cells from UCB, manufactured using a patented expansion and activation process. It targets tumor cells through direct and indirect cytotoxicity, when combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting tumor specific antigens. OT-C001 is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for advanced hematologic malignancies with monoclonal antibodies. In non-clinical in vitro, in vivo models, and toxicology studies, it was well tolerated and displayed promising anti-tumor activities.

About Onward Therapeutics

Onward Therapeutics (www.onward-therapeutics.com) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. Led by a seasoned team in translational science and drug development, the company advances promising candidates through a fast-track development model. Its portfolio includes a bispecific antibody (OT-A201) licensed from Biomunex, alongside an equity investment; and an allogeneic NK cell therapy (OT-C001) developed via its majority-owned subsidiary, Emercell. Additional programs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and onco-metabolism are in early development. Headquartered in Switzerland, Onward Therapeutics also operates in Paris and Taipei.

About Emercell

Emercell (www.emercell.com) develops off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapies. Based at the IRMB at Saint-Éloi University Hospital Center in Montpellier, France, its lead candidate OT-C001 targets lymphoma patients resistant to standard treatments. The patented platform pre-activates and expands NK cells. In 2023, Emercell received support from Bpifrance under the France 2030 “Biotherapies and bioproduction of innovative therapies” acceleration strategy and the Occitanie Region.

MIMARU Unveils Japan’s First Free Trilingual Accessible Travel Guide — Milestone toward Truly Inclusive Tourism

TOKYO, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., the operator of the apartment-hotel brand MIMARU, has teamed with Arukikata Co., Ltd., the company behind Japan’s iconic travel guide series, Chikyu no Arukikata (Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook), which covers over 160 countries, and the Good Luck Trip platform for international visitors to Japan. As approximately 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability (WHO, 2023), together, they have started Japan’s first free trilingual accessible travel guide (English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese).

The guide is available in print at all MIMARU locations and online via the official website starting April 21, 2025, helping ensure that even just one more traveler feels confident and inspired to explore Japan.

MIMARU official website: https://mimaruhotels.com/
Good Luck Trip: https://www.gltjp.com/en/

The guide features accessible facilities and travel routes in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, offering a visually engaging and informative experience. Unlike typical overseas travel guides, it adopts a uniquely Japanese style — filled with personal travel columns and vibrant photos — that invites readers to discover Japan in a more inclusive and thoughtful way.

Images1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI9fl_jNNLJIGa.png

Download the digital guide (English & Traditional Chinese): https://mimaruhotels.com/manual/accessible-tourism-guide

Note: A digital version is also available and may be freely used, shared, or distributed to help more travelers discover accessible ways to enjoy Japan.

Supporting a More Inclusive Future
This collaboration is part of MIMARU’s broader efforts to make travel more inclusive. Built on three key initiatives — Diversity of people and work styles, Connections with guests and local communities, and Environmental consideration — MIMARU fosters a welcoming hospitality environment for all. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities.

Every MIMARU room includes a kitchen and spacious living area — ideal for families, groups, and travelers with diverse needs. Staff are trained in universal manners, and the brand works with accessibility experts to continually improve services.

While urban areas have made progress, accessible travel information remains scarce. This guide helps bridge that gap by offering practical, easy-to-follow information on barrier-free facilities, transit routes, and accessible travel across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was created to empower more travelers to say, “I deserve this journey. Now, it’s my turn to explore.”

Learn more about MIMARU’s accessibility initiatives: 
https://mimaruhotels.com/news/accessible-tourism/

Explore the Highlights — 16-Page Guide with QR Codes for Updates

  1. Enjoy Japan’s seasonal beauty all year round
  2. Must-explore destinations along Japan’s iconic travel route
  3. Area guides with barrier-free access info (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
  4. Practical tips for accessible travel in Japan, covering barrier-free transportation, key organizations, and helpful resources
  5. Introduction to MIMARU’s unique apartment-style locations and its activities related to accessible tourism

Images2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI10fl_ubh763YO.png

For each picture, please visit the link below: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202504177529?p=images

Inner Mongolia acts as green power bank

BEIJING, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a vast territory in northern China with immense renewable energy potential, is powering the nation’s green transition and setting an example for the world.

Wang Lixia, chairwoman of Inner Mongolia, said in a recent interview that the region’s “experience has shown that developing renewable energy doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Instead, it can drive ecological restoration”.

“Meanwhile, desertification control is not just an environmental imperative; it can also fuel high-quality development,” she added.

According to a report released in March by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the capacity of global renewable power increased substantially last year, with the addition of 585 gigawatts, a record growth of 15.1 percent. China played a significant role in this growth, accounting for nearly 64 percent of the added capacity, the report said.

Wang noted that Inner Mongolia, with its abundant wind and solar resources, plays a crucial role in China’s green transition. The region has an exploitable wind energy capacity of 1.46 billion kilowatts, accounting for 57 percent of the national total, and a solar energy potential of 9.4 billion kW, which is 21 percent of the national total, she said.

“This wealth of wind and solar resources gives us confidence, and opens up endless possibilities for the growth of Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy industry,” she said.

Last year, Inner Mongolia led the nation in six key areas, including new renewable energy installations, green hydrogen production, new energy storage installations and green electricity trading volume. This makes Inner Mongolia a green power bank for northern China, Wang said. “Of every 100,000 kW of newly installed renewable power capacity nationwide, over 10,000 kW is generated in Inner Mongolia,” she said.

“Our total installed renewable power capacity has surpassed 135 million kW, exceeding that of coal-fired power. We are the first provincial-level region in China to surpass 100 million kW of renewable power capacity,” she added.

Last year, Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy output increased 27.6 percent, exceeding 210 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to twice the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam.

Renewable energy contributes 25 percent of the region’s total electrical power generation. “It is equivalent to saving 66 million metric tons of standard coal, enough to meet Inner Mongolia’s heating needs for three years, while reducing carbon emissions by 180 million tons annually,” Wang said.

As the autonomous region pushes its renewable energy development, it is also exploring ways to utilize its renewable power resources and expand its electrical equipment manufacturing industry.

“We are advancing our green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol industries, converting green electricity into green products,” Wang said. “We have also established the nation’s largest computing power base with nearly 80 percent of the energy sourced from renewables.”

These efforts helped Inner Mongolia reach a renewable energy utilization rate of 94 percent last year, with green electricity accounting for nearly one-third of the total consumption.

The economic impact has also been impressive. In 2024, the total added value of renewable energy and related industries in Inner Mongolia grew 20.1 percent year-on-year, with new energy equipment manufacturing up more than 40 percent, Wang noted.

At the same time, exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels soared 45.3 percent to 4.18 billion yuan ($573 million), according to customs data.

While the region is ramping up efforts for the manufacturing and export of new energy equipment, its ecological restoration efforts, particularly in the Kubuqi Desert, have gained global recognition.

Once known as the “Sea of Death”, the desert has become a model for integrating ecological restoration with new energy development. In 2014, the United Nations Environment Programme designated the desert as an ecological economy demonstration zone.

The Kubuqi model integrates solar power generation with agriculture and animal husbandry, as photovoltaic panels are used to provide canopies that help enhance plant survival and support the growth of drought-resistant crops, Wang said.

This approach tackles desertification, advances renewable energy development and helps increase local people’s income, achieving multiple benefits simultaneously, she said.

The area, which until 2017 remained largely barren, was covered by an array of solar panels by the end of last year. In December, the NASA Earth Observatory released satellite images showing what has been dubbed as Kubuqi’s “Solar Great Wall”.

“Stretching 400 kilometers, with an average width of 5 km, the project, once completed, will help restore vegetation on about 200,000 hectares of the desert and generate 180 billion kWh of electricity annually, serving as both a ‘blue energy wall’ and a green ecological barrier,” Wang said.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Teads, the global media platform, has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to launch its first-ever Connected TV (CTV) campaign in Thailand, marking a new milestone in the luxury automotive market. Running from June to July 2024 as part of the Defining Class 2.0 initiative, the campaign targeted high-income audiences with an omnichannel approach, delivering substantial brand lift for Mercedes-Benz and reinforcing its position as a top luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign
Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

Pioneering a Strategic Omnichannel Execution for Maximum Brand Impact

The campaign marked Teads’ debut in the Thai CTV landscape, blending multiple digital touchpoints to maximize engagement with a premium audience:

  • CTV Native Placement (LG TV Homescreen) — This strategic placement delivered Mercedes-Benz’s first presence on LG Smart TVs in Thailand, reaching affluent consumers directly in their living rooms.
  • CTV Video Placements — By delivering instream video ads within premium in-app environments on both Smart TVs and Mobile/Tablet devices, Teads captured the attention of viewers in a high-quality, distraction-free setting.
  • Outstream Advertising — Targeted to audiences based on income and automotive interest, the outstream ads helped drive strong brand consideration.
Key Campaign Results: Significant Uplift Across Brand Metrics

The campaign’s effectiveness was evaluated using On Device’s methodology, which passively tracked exposure and surveyed their panellists 24-48 hours after ad interactions. Brand Lift Study offered granular insights, underscoring the campaign’s ability to achieve significant results in brand perception and favorability.

The Mercedes-Benz CTV campaign in Thailand exceeded expectations, achieving robust lifts across critical brand metrics:

  • Top-of-mind awareness saw a 5-point increase, outperforming industry benchmarks.
  • Ad recall increased by 7 points, demonstrating high retention rates among viewers.
  • Brand preference surged by 16 points, well above industry standards, suggesting that Mercedes-Benz has a strong positive presence in the Thai market.
  • Purchase intent rose by 10 points, with 83% of respondents considering Mercedes-Benz for their next luxury vehicle.

The campaign also achieved high baseline scores for brand familiarity and favorability, each exceeding 80%, indicating an already strong brand presence for Mercedes-Benz in Thailand.

High-Impact Creative Formats: Engagement Metrics at a Glance

A key contributor to the campaign’s success was the engagement with Teads’ premium creative formats, which effectively captured and retained audience attention:

  • 17 million impressions delivered across multiple devices, with smartphones achieving a click-through rate (CTR) of 0.22%.
  • The Performance Carousel V3 emerged as the top-performing creative unit, with a 0.21% CTR.
  • An impressive Video Completion Rate (VCR) of 95.46% was achieved in In-Stream placements, with 100% viewability across Teads’ scalable inventory, underscoring the quality of the ad experience.
Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury Automotive Advertising in Thailand

Our partnership with Teads for the Defining Class 2.0 campaign has been nothing short of transformative. As a brand that strives to stay ahead of the curve, Mercedes-Benz constantly seeks innovative and impactful ways to connect with our audiences.

Teads’ expertise in omnichannel media planning, combined with their cutting-edge Connected TV solutions, allowed us to deliver a highly immersive and memorable campaign.

The results speak for themselves—remarkable brand lift across awareness, preference, and purchase intent metrics, paired with unparalleled engagement on premium platforms.

The campaign’s strategic execution and high-quality creative formats resonated deeply with our target audience, reinforcing our position as the leading luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

We are thrilled with the success of this collaboration and look forward to further exploring the possibilities of CTV and premium digital advertising with Teads in the future.” Says the spokesperson from Mercedes Benz, Thailand.

This groundbreaking omnichannel campaign not only marks Teads’ entry into Thailand’s CTV space but also sets a new standard for luxury automotive advertising. The campaign highlights how strategic media planning combined with innovative technology can deliver measurable, impactful results in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz and Teads have showcased the potential of an omnichannel CTV approach to enhance brand awareness, engagement, and consideration. The success of this campaign reaffirms Teads’ leadership in delivering premium, scalable advertising solutions and solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s position in Thailand as a leading choice in luxury automotive.

Shahzaib Shah: The Pakistani Ethical Hacker Catching Global Vulnerabilities

Empowering a new generation, Shahzaib Shah of SSSn is not only securing global systems but inspiring Pakistani youth to embrace ethical hacking and digital responsibility.

BALAKOT, Pakistan, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where cybersecurity threats dominate headlines, a young researcher from Balakot, Mansehra is gaining international attention for helping organizations detect and fix critical security vulnerabilities. Syed Shahzaib Shah, a 24-year-old self-taught ethical hacker, has quietly become a global name in responsible vulnerability disclosure — all from the hills of northern Pakistan.

Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.
Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.

Shahzaib’s work has been instrumental in uncovering previously unknown vulnerabilities affecting major web platforms, APIs, and enterprise systems. His reports, submitted through bug bounty programs and coordinated disclosure channels, have contributed to enhanced digital security for millions of users worldwide.

“Cybersecurity is about trust, not power. It’s about protecting people’s data, businesses, and national systems before someone with bad intentions gets there first,” says Shahzaib Shah.

Despite limited access to formal education and technology in his hometown, Shahzaib taught himself cybersecurity through online forums, open-source materials, and years of hands-on research. His rise to prominence demonstrates that talent in the tech world is no longer confined to major urban centers or elite universities.

Shahzaib’s ethical hacking work has been featured internationally in publications including AP News, Cybersecurity Dive, Benzinga, News Channel Nebraska, Beamstart, and Street Insider

These features highlight the growing relevance of Pakistan’s ethical hacking community and the emerging role of independent cybersecurity researchers from South Asia in protecting global digital assets.

While confidentiality agreements prevent him from naming all the companies he’s worked with, his public acknowledgments and growing presence on international bug bounty platforms speak to the consistency and impact of his research.

A Voice for Digital Education and Youth Empowerment

In addition to technical contributions, Shahzaib is a strong advocate for cybersecurity education among youth in Pakistan. He frequently speaks about the importance of ethical hacking, responsible digital behavior, and online protection through interviews, forums, and mentorship.

“We need to change the narrative. Hacking doesn’t always mean harm. In the right hands, it’s protection,” he says.

His message is particularly resonant in rural and underserved areas of Pakistan, where access to tech training is scarce. Through his outreach efforts, Shahzaib is encouraging young Pakistanis to explore ethical hacking as a career — one that promotes integrity, knowledge-sharing, and community protection.

Why This Matters

With cyberattacks on the rise globally, stories like Shahzaib Shah’s are not only inspiring but also critical. They highlight how grassroots cybersecurity talent can make a global difference when given the right platform. His rise also speaks to the growing need for governments, educational institutions, and tech companies to support local talent in digital security fields.

Pakistan, which has seen a growing number of cyber incidents in both public and private sectors, stands to benefit greatly from cultivating more researchers like Shahzaib. His success proves that with the right tools and ethical grounding, even the most remote regions can produce global cybersecurity defenders.

About Syed Shahzaib Shah

Syed Shahzaib Shah is an independent cybersecurity researcher and ethical hacker from Balakot, Mansehra, Pakistan. Specializing in web application security, vulnerability assessments, and responsible disclosure, Shahzaib has become one of the country’s most recognized voices in global digital protection. He is also the founder of awareness initiatives aimed at educating young Pakistanis about cybersecurity and digital ethics.

NEC Indonesia Achieves ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification, Demonstrating Commitment to Information Technology Security

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Indonesia has successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification was awarded by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a certification body known for conducting audits and certifications across various sectors, including information security. This achievement reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to providing IT services that meet international standards, ensure high quality, and comply with regulations.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.
Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to assist organisations in establishing and maintaining an effective information security management system. This standard aims to reduce the risk of data breaches, protect sensitive information, and support compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Through this certification, NEC Indonesia further strengthens its position as a provider of technically excellent and ethically responsible technology solutions. Implementing ISO 27001:2022 bolsters the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency, maintain the trust of customers and partners, and encourage continuous improvements in information security management.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, stated, “NEC Indonesia believes that secure information management is not merely a technical obligation but also a moral responsibility. This certification reflects our strong commitment to information security and catalyzes the quality improvement of our services.” He also appreciated the entire team who contributed to the certification process and this achievement reflects the high standards and preparedness of NEC Indonesia’s management system.

“NEC has shown exceptional commitment to building trust in their information security management system internally and externally. I would like to congratulate NEC for achieving certification to ISO/IEC 27001 in Indonesia,” says Mak Heng Chwin, Regional Manager for Business Assurance in DNV.

The certification process comprehensively evaluated information security policies, risk management, technical and administrative controls, and internal audits. It affirms the company’s commitment to maintaining global standards in information security. In the future, NEC Indonesia is committed to continuously maintaining and enhancing its information security system in line with the increasingly complex demands of digitalisation.

NEC’s 125 years of rich history as a transformation partner with a strong commitment to its customers is further amplified by this achievement. NEC Indonesia is even better positioned to deliver technology solutions that are innovative, responsive to customer needs, secure, and aligned with information security regulatory standards.

About PT NEC Indonesia

NEC first established its representative office in Jakarta in 1968. To this day, PT NEC Indonesia continues to play an important role in providing innovative ICT solutions to promote safety, security, and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. As a leading provider of information and communication technology, PT NEC Indonesia provides world-class services and technology including telecommunications networks, biometric identification, intelligent solutions for Banks and other Financial Services, Public Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Smart City, as well as government applications and infrastructure and business enterprises to support the digital transformation journey. For more information, visit us at http://id.nec.com/.

NopalCyber Hires New Head of Sales to Scale Impressive Growth in India

Industry veteran Manish Kalra will help drive growing demand in the region for holistic cybersecurity solutions

HYDERABAD, India, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NopalCyber, a global provider of managed extended detection and response (MXDR) and attack surface management (ASM) solutions, today announced that Manish Kalra will join the company as the new Head of Sales for India. His leadership will spearhead efforts to scale NopalCyber’s growth in India further amid ongoing demand for cybersecurity solutions in that market.

“We could not be more excited to have Manish joining the NopalCyber team,” stated Varun Ira, chief executive officer at NopalCyber. “His decades of sales and leadership experience, combined with his creative thinking and innovative ideas will allow us to reach even more customers in India who need accessible yet effective cybersecurity solutions to combat rising cyber risk.”

Manish has served as a strategic and technical leader to executives in myriad sectors throughout India and Southeast Asia, bringing over 25 years of experience to his new role. Before starting his professional journey, Manish earned an MBA from MS Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore, then went on to complete programs at Harvard Business Publishing, ISM, and IIM Lucknow. During his career, he has served as the Partner and Business Development Leader at Deloitte, where he led transformative growth in the Risk & Cyber business. He played a pivotal role at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, where he helped set up the Business Development team and scale the business at 40% CAGR. Manish has also worked at EY, Escorts, and Tata Motors, among other high-performing organizations he has helped to build, scale, or lead.

On his new role, Manish commented, “I’m thrilled to be working with a company like NopalCyber that offers compelling products and services, and is backed by a strong leadership team. I believe that combining my skills and experience with NopalCyber’s strategy and offerings will make for a potent pairing that can lead to lower cyber risk and fewer digital disruptions for our clients.”

As businesses throughout India experience more frequent and damaging cyber attacks, demand for cybersecurity products, services, and solutions has grown, with many turning to NopalCyber to get the technical expertise and constant coverage they require in today’s climate. With his keen understanding of the Indian market and his wealth of experience, vision, and leadership, Manish will be an asset to NopalCyber, helping the company to serve more companies, secure more assets, and safeguard the digital future.

About NopalCyber

NopalCyber, LLC makes cybersecurity manageable, affordable and reliable. Managed extended detection and response (MXDR), attack surface management (ASM), breach and attack simulation (BAS) and advisory services fortify your offensive and defensive cybersecurity posture. AI-driven intelligence in its Nopal360° platform, NopalGo application and proprietary Cyber Intelligence Quotient (CIQ) lets anyone quantify, track and visualize a cybersecurity posture in real time. NopalCyber’s offensive and defensive services and external threat analysis are tailored to each client’s need. NopalCyber democratizes cybersecurity by making enterprise-grade security available to organizations of all sizes. For more information visit www.nopalcyber.com.

Media Contact:

Cyndy Hunter
cyndy@magnetudeconsulting.com
+1 (603) 490-9156

Banyan Group Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58), a leader in sustainable hospitality, unveils its 2024 Sustainability Report—One Banyan, One Sustainable Future. The 19th edition reports on the Group’s advancements in driving action and impact across key environmental, social, and economic dimensions, reaffirming sustainability as a core foundation of its business.

Highlights from Banyan Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report
Highlights from Banyan Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Guided by its founding mission of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering People’ and the belief that travel can be a force for good, the Group’s key progress in 2024 include:

  • Accelerating decarbonisation and energy transition: In line with its ongoing commitment to addressing the business’ environmental impact, Banyan Group continued to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and on-site renewable energy. Upgrades in lighting systems, air conditioning and room control units, as well as the installation of solar panels and timer controls across properties, resulted in a 5.7% reduction in emissions intensity per occupied room over 2023.
  • Increasing waste management initiatives: Through an increased adoption of waste reduction, recycling and repurposing activities—including food donations, composting of kitchen waste and upcycling efforts—28% of total waste produced was diverted from landfill, a five-point increase from the previous year.
  • Upholding responsible water stewardship: As a result of the Group’s approach to water conservation—focused on infrastructure repairs, proactive leak detection, enhanced storage capacity, and water reuse—water efficiency per occupied room improved by 5.1% compared to 2023.
  • Championing marine conservation: Restorations and research projects play an important role in the way Banyan Group seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its operations—the expansion of Our Marine Lab in the Maldives alongside the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) in 2024 reinforced its commitment to such conservation efforts.
  • Deepening support for local communities: The Group maintained its commitment to uplifting local communities and fostering long-term resilience through education, engagement, and employment opportunities—its signature Seedlings programme nurtured 93 young individuals through training and mentorship, and provided 2,515 internship opportunities. In a continued effort to support heritage traditions and promote rural production to strengthen local economies, the Group expanded its artisan network—commissioning products that supported 306 artisan communities, including 66 newly engaged groups.
  • Driving change with Greater Good Grants: To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Banyan Global Foundation funded 30 associate-initiated projects addressing the key material topics identified by the Group. The projects were selected based on criteria including the long-term social, environmental, welfare, and/or financial benefits to the communities where the Group’s hotels and resorts operate. For more information on the projects, visit: Greater Good Grants

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Banyan Group’s purpose, and our journey will continue to evolve as we look to scale increasingly impactful practices in the upcoming years—with more ambitious climate action, deeper community engagement, and greater support for our associates to take action,” said Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Group.

“To achieve this, we have introduced key performance metrics aligned with our identified material issues for all senior level associates in front-line and corporate roles, empowering them to champion our ambitions. As we track our progress in 2025, we will further refine our associates’ roles to more meaningfully support the integration of responsible practices across our operations,” she added.

To learn more about Banyan Group’s approach, actions, and journey in addressing material sustainability impacts, visit: Our Mission. To read the full report, visit: 2024 Sustainability Report

For high-resolution images, please download here.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 90 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.