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Youdao 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

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BEIJING, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As announced on November 20, 2025, the Company is going to hold its annual general meeting of shareholders (“AGM”) at its Beijing offices on December 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Beijing Time).

To watch the live broadcasting of the AGM, please click the below links:
https://ir.youdao.com/#/live 

An archived replay will be available on Youdao’s investor relations website at https://ir.youdao.com/.

Speakers include Dr. Feng Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Youdao and other members of Youdao’s senior management team.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Further information regarding such risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Jeffrey Wang
Youdao, Inc.
Tel: +86-10-8255-8163 ext. 89980
E-mail: IR@rd.netease.com 

Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com 

In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: youdao@thepiacentegroup.com 

 

Carlsberg Asia and Meituan Elevate Strategic Partnership with First-Time Black Pearl Collaboration

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From premium dining collaborations to seamless quick‑commerce, Carlsberg Asia is ushering a new era of beer enjoyment in Asia


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Carlsberg Asia is taking its partnership with Meituan, a globally leading quick-commerce platform, to exciting new heights through a first-of-its-kind collaboration that bridges premium dining and digital accessibility.

Carlsberg Asia and Meituan elevate strategic partnership with Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for premium dining collaboration
Carlsberg Asia and Meituan elevate strategic partnership with Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for premium dining collaboration

The partnership features a first-time collaboration with Meituan’s Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, China’s premier dining authority, placing premiumisation at the forefront of Carlsberg’s digital innovation and online-to-offline (O2O) strategy. As part of the multi-faceted collaboration, Carlsberg and Meituan rolled out the Carlsberg Drinking Roadmap, featured under Dianping’s Must-Eat List 2025. This curated list of restaurants will offer Carlsberg’s beer portfolio via on-premise dining and on-demand delivery, seamlessly connecting unique dining experiences with everyday consumer convenience.

Leveraging Meituan’s ecosystem of advanced technology, quick-commerce capabilities, and behavioural insights, the partnership makes it effortless for consumers to enjoy Carlsberg products. Together, the partners will jointly deliver real-time, occasion-based food-and-beer experiences, ranging from delivery to personalised promotions, as well as curated product selections tailored to diverse consumer preferences.

Arindam Varanasi, Commercial Vice President, Carlsberg Asia, said, “Our collaboration with Black Pearl and Meituan is more than a campaign; it is a clear statement of building unique bonds that draw on each other’s brand values and ethos. It showcases the power of partnership – where our brewing heritage and R&D excellence meets China’s most prestigious dining guides and its largest lifestyle platform. Together, we are setting a new premium standard and creating unmatched value for consumers across the ecosystem.”

Advancing Premiumisation Through Culinary Excellence

With the inception of the partnership with Meituan’s Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Carlsberg is redefining modern beer occasions through curated culinary experiences in key Chinese Mainland cities, including Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with regional expansion planned across Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, and Malaysia.

Carlsberg’s Master Brewer, Zoran Gojkovic, visits Dianping Must-Eat restaurants in collaboration with Meituan
Carlsberg’s Master Brewer, Zoran Gojkovic, visits Dianping Must-Eat restaurants in collaboration with Meituan

To mark the launch, Carlsberg’s Master Brewer, Zoran Gojkovic, travelled to China to lead a series of exclusive food and beer pairing events in collaboration with star chefs. From modern Cantonese cuisine Yue Restaurant, Yun Jing at Raffles Shenzhen, to 1996 Sichuan Cuisine, Beijing, each partnership showcased innovative dishes meticulously paired with Carlsberg’s wide beverage portfolio, giving consumers a new perspective on beer tasting.

The pairings are designed to complement the artistry and heritage found in Black Pearl-selected restaurants. At the heart of these dining experiences is the Carlsberg premium portfolio featuring the signature Alchemy line – curated by the Carlsberg Brew Master. This exclusive collection showcases three of its most distinctive varieties: the Wheat Lager, the Vinous Beer and The Rubedo. Developed and perfected at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the Alchemy brews embody the incredible diversity of what beer can be. The Laboratory – home to more than 100 scientists – has long been a hub of innovation, dedicated not only to brewing better beer but to ‘brewing’ a better world. From inventing the pH scale in 1909, and winning a Nobel Prize for click chemistry in 2022, to pioneering climate-tolerant plant types for future generations, Carlsberg continues to push the boundaries of science and sustainability.

Making Every Meal a Beer Occasion: The Must-Eat Connection

To complement the prestige of Black Pearl dining, Carlsberg and Meituan will be extending premium beer experiences to everyday tables through Dianping’s Must-Eat List 2025. This initiative partners with China’s most popular and highly recommended eateries in Foshan and Beijing to create diverse beer occasions, from casual dining to celebratory gatherings, where Carlsberg’s full portfolio takes centre stage.

By integrating the complete range of brews into these trending venues, the partnership positions beer as a natural part of authentic food culture. From classic Carlsberg and refreshing lagers to the Alchemy line, consumers can explore the breadth of Carlsberg’s craftsmanship in settings that fit with their lifestyle. This approach bridges aspiration and accessibility, driving trial across categories and reinforcing Carlsberg’s presence in every occasion, turning everyday meals into memorable beer moments.

Co-Creating the Next Wave of Beer Occasions Through Digital Innovation

Carlsberg’s expanded partnership with Meituan goes beyond distribution, it’s about creating smarter, data-driven beer occasions for consumers. By tapping into Meituan’s powerful ecosystem, including quick-commerce capabilities and curated beer-led experiences, Carlsberg is unlocking new ways to connect with consumers both online and offline.

This collaboration strengthens Carlsberg’s brand differentiation in an increasingly digital marketplace while giving Meituan a unique opportunity to enrich its lifestyle offerings with beer knowledge and premium experiences. Through real-time analytics and consumer behavioural insights, both partners will deliver the right product from Carlsberg’s diverse portfolio, from premium lagers to speciality brews, and reach consumers at the right moment, offering tailored beer experiences that elevate everyday enjoyment.

This flagship initiative forms a cornerstone of Carlsberg Asia’s digital acceleration program and reflects a shared ambition: to co-create next-generation beer moments by blending brewing expertise with platform innovation. Together, Carlsberg and Meituan are setting a new standard for personalisation, convenience, and premiumisation across Asia.

Hashtag: #CarlsberyAsia

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

About Carlsberg Asia

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong.

Unlocking Career Growth: SIM Academy Helps Working Adults Tap National Funding Schemes

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – In a labour market reshaped by digitalisation and industry transitions, working adults in Singapore increasingly turn to short, skills-focused programmes to stay employable, switch roles, or move into growth sectors. The national SkillsFuture movement, administered by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), exists precisely to make such upskilling accessible, combining course subsidies, credit top-ups, and train-and-place pathways that prioritise employment outcomes.

SIM Academy, a long-standing professional learning arm of the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), aligns its purpose to these national priorities, offering funded programmes and short courses that translate directly into workplace impact.

National funding that works for mid‑career learners

Singapore’s national funding schemes provide strong support for mid-career learners, making skills upgrading more affordable and accessible.

Two key pillars stand out: the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES), which offers Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above up to 90% course-fee funding for SSG-supported certifiable courses[LY1] , significantly reducing the cost of training.

Complementing this is the SkillsFuture Credit, which allows individuals to offset eligible course fees listed on MySkillsFuture. Beyond the base tier credit, an additional mid-career credit was introduced to encourage learners to pursue employment-oriented pathways such as full qualifications and the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP).

According to SkillsFuture Singapore’s latest year-in-review, these initiatives are driving impact: participation in career-relevant training rose to 555,000 in 2024, with mid-career learners increasingly tapping the enhanced credit for substantive skills reboot programmes

SIM Academy’s SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)

For professionals contemplating a role switch, SIM Academy’s SCTP consolidates structured training (typically 3–6 months, full or part‑time)to facilitate this need..

The SIM SCTP catalogue includes pathways in Cybersecurity and Sustainability in the Built Environment, among others, developed with industry partners and supported by employer networks.

Funding is significant. Under MCES, eligible Singaporeans aged 40+ can receive up to 90% course‑fee subsidies, with SkillsFuture Credit applicable to the nett fees.

Digital marketing in the mobile‑first era: TikTok Masterclass (Singtel × SIM Academy)

For working adults in marketing, entrepreneurship, or content creation, SIM Academy’s TikTok Masterclass addresses the rise of social commerce and the need to build brand presence on short‑video platforms. The course covers content strategy, analytics, live selling, and TikTok Shop setup, and provides hands‑on access to the Singtel Creator House combining technical skills with applied practice.

Crucially, this Masterclass is supported by SkillsFuture, with eligible SME participants able to receive funding up to 90% according to Singtel’s programme announcement, an example of industry‑government collaboration to accelerate SMB digitalisation.

Other funded short courses for immediate workplace impact

SIM Academy complements its longer SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) pathways with a suite of funded short courses that deliver immediate workplace impact in areas such as compliance, data analytics, and resilience where the skills are highly valued by employers.

Courses include the Fundamentals of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), a 3-day programme that equips learners with operational data-protection competencies like breach management and DPO responsibilities.

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® course, designed to meet the exam objectives set by Project Management Institute (PMI) based on PMBOK 7.0, prepares participants for predictive, agile, and hybrid project management approaches. Data Visualisation using Power BI, a two-day course that teaches learners to create interactive dashboards for data-driven decision-making.

Additionally, The Resilience Advantage focuses on mental well-being and workplace adaptability, reflecting the growing emphasis on mental wellness and sustainable performance. All these courses are SkillsFuture Credit-eligible and supported by SkillsFuture funding

SIM Academy is a Practical Choice for Working Adults

SIM Academy provides short, industry-relevant courses that focus on skills demanded by today’s job market. It offers flexible schedules, including part-time options for SCTPs, so working adults can learn without disrupting their careers. Job-search support is integrated into these programmes, helping learners apply new skills to real employment opportunities.

Affordability is another advantage. SIM Academy consolidates information on funding schemes such as SkillsFuture Credit and SSG subsidies on its website, making it easier for learners and employers to navigate cost-saving options.

At the national level, SkillsFuture Singapore reports strong participation among mid-career workers, with more learners enrolling in IT-related and employment-focused courses. This trend shows that funding initiatives are successfully guiding professionals toward skills that have strong market relevance.

References:

  1. SkillsFuture Movement – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/skills-development/skillsfuture-movement/
  2. SIM SCTP – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/about/
  3. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy FAQ – https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/enhancedsubsidy-faq
  4. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/skillsfuture-mid-career-enhanced-subsidy/
  5. SkillsFuture for Individuals – https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/initiatives/individuals
  6. SkillsFuture Year-In-Review 2024: Learners Shift to More Career-Relevant Training with the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/skillsfuture-year-in-review-2024/
  7. SIM SCTP FAQ – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/faq/
  8. SCTP (JOMAN) Job of the Manager – https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg/sctp-job-of-manager-joman-for-sustainability-manager-in-built-environment/
  9. Singtel X SIM TikTok Masterclass – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/tiktok-masterclass-695cc6a0cac5ac4a68ce6a67d4f7f8f9
  10. Singtel launches TikTok Masterclass to help SMEs accelerate growth and strengthen brand presence in digital era – https://www.singtel.com/about-us/media-centre/news-releases/singtel-launches-tiktok-masterclass
  11. Upskill & unlock possibilities for your business​. – https://www.singtel.com/business/smb/solutions/tiktok-masterclass

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Academy

SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.

Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.

For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg

Nexteer Builds on Growth Momentum at 2025 Global Strategy Summit in Suzhou, China

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SUZHOU, China, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nexteer Automotive, a global leader in intuitive motion control, held its annual Global Strategy Summit in Suzhou, China. The Summit’s first-ever presence in China highlights Nexteer’s strategic focus on leveraging its success in China’s fast-moving market to amplify innovation, agility, supply chain resiliency and global alignment to support its OEM customers through accelerated change.

“China’s automotive industry is driving global mobility transformation through rapid innovation,” said Jun Li, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer and APAC Division President. “Hosting Nexteer’s Global Strategy Summit in Suzhou allows our global leadership to experience China’s pace and evolving market expectations, strengthening our ability to apply strategic insight, agility, resiliency and shared value creation as we support OEMs globally in navigating shifting mobility megatrends.”

This year’s Summit centered on the theme Pioneering Motion Control Globally at China Speed: Vision, Velocity, Value, which reflects Nexteer’s unified approach to advancing technologies and strengthening collaboration with customers worldwide. The three pillars highlight the company’s focus on anticipating future needs, adapting with agility and capitalizing on growth opportunities in an evolving mobility landscape.

Building on this theme, Nexteer is advancing its global strategy through Vision, Velocity and Value by leveraging China’s rapid mobility innovation, its “Glocal” engineering network and its smart, flexible manufacturing footprint. This integrated approach enables the company to pioneer advancements in intelligent motion control, respond quickly to customer needs and deepen long-term partnerships across global markets.

Looking ahead, Nexteer will continue translating Summit outcomes into its growth strategy that enables OEMs to launch differentiated vehicles confidently and competitively in every market they serve. The Suzhou convening caps a year of strong commercial and innovation momentum, driven by major launches across Nexteer’s portfolio: The MotionIQ™ Software Suite; expanded Motion-by-Wire™ chassis control featuring Brake-by-Wire, Rear Wheel Steering and Direct Drive Handwheel Actuators for Steer-by-Wire systems; High Output versions of all Electric Power Steering architectures; and multiple Driveline innovations. Together, these advances reinforce Nexteer’s ability to deliver Vision, Velocity and Value at global scale, helping OEMs lead the shift to software-defined, electrified and increasingly automated mobility.

ABOUT NEXTEER AUTOMOTIVE

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative portfolio supports by-wire chassis control, including electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems, software solutions and brake-by-wire. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for global and domestic OEMs around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China including BYD, Xiaomi, ChangAn, Li Auto, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, Xpeng and others. www.nexteer.com

Link to Nexteer Media Center 

Link to Press Kit 

Yiren Digital Wins “Technology Innovation Leadership Award for Listed Companies” at the 23rd China’s Financial Annual Champion Awards

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) (“Yiren Digital” or the “Company”), a leading Fintech company specializing in digital consumer lending, insurance and financial technology innovation across China and Southeast Asia, today announced it has been awarded the “Technology Innovation Leadership Award for Listed Companies” at the 23rd China’s Financial Annual Champion Awards. The award was presented during the 2025 China Financial Annual Conference, held in Beijing and co-hosted by the China Stock Exchange Executive Council and the leading financial media Hexun.com.

The conference, themed “Charting a Breakthrough for China’s Economy,” brought together over twenty of China’s leading economists and policy experts. Discussions focused on strategic imperatives, including the outlook for “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan,” macroeconomic trends, technological innovation, capital market restructuring, and strategic asset allocation amid global volatility.

As one of the most respected commendations in China’s financial sector, the China’s Financial Annual Champion Awards honor companies that consistently contribute to the advancement of China’s economy and the financial industry. The associated list serves as a widely recognized barometer for China’s economic and financial trends for the upcoming year. Yiren Digital was selected for its continued innovation and operational excellence in AI-driven digital transformation.

Since its IPO in 2015, Yiren Digital has steadily advanced its AI R&D capabilities, evolving from a fintech company to a smart technology enterprise. By embedding cutting-edge AI automation technologies throughout its operations, the Company has translated AI proficiency into tangible productivity gains, strengthening innovation and performance across its operations.

Entering its tenth year as a public company, Yiren Digital continues to define how AI is reshaping business models, accelerating the deep integration of technology and finance across the fintech ecosystem.

The Company remains focused on its “AI+ on multi-use cases,” supported by its AI Lab, and has developed a growing suite of proprietary large AI models deployed across multiple business functions. These technologies enhance data management, precision customer acquisition, intelligent marketing, customer service, and risk management, collectively driving significant improvements in operational efficiency.

A defining element of Yiren Digital’s strategy is its commitment to early adoption, sustained investment, and strategic focus. The Company allocates hundreds of millions of RMB annually to R&D. Its proprietary large model, “Zhiyu,” officially registered and deployed in April 2025, serves as the core engine of its AI infrastructure. The upgraded Zhiyu model supports multi-agent collaboration and contextual memory, enabling more sophisticated, human-like interactions and providing a robust, adaptive AI foundation for the Company.

Yiren Digital has also significantly enhanced service capabilities through its Magicube AI Agent Platform, delivering greater precision, efficiency, and more intuitive customer interactions. Leveraging human-AI synergy and round-the-clock availability, the platform helps the Company overcome traditional time and expertise constraints associated with purely human service models.

The Magicube AI Agent Platform recently rolled out its 2.0 upgrade, delivering enhanced AI capabilities across four key areas:

  • Optimized intelligent marketing with more refined conversational routing;
  • Strengthened automated content generation, significantly boosting  creative efficiency;
  • Re-engineered intelligent quality-control systems featuring flexible configuration and batch-inspection capabilities;
  • Enhanced code security detection to further safeguard system stability.

Building on these capabilities, Yiren Digital is accelerating the development of autonomous Agent collaboration to create a coordinated “digital task force” that will support the next phase of operational intelligence.

Looking ahead, Yiren Digital remains firmly committed to artificial intelligence, driving technological innovation, and supporting industry transformation. As AI evolves rapidly, the Company is confident in its ability to shape the future of digital intelligence, lead industry progress, and contribute meaningfully to society.

About Yiren Digital

Yiren Digital Ltd. is a leading fintech company specializing in digital consumer lending, insurance, and next-generation financial technology innovation across China and Southeast Asia. Leveraging advanced AI and emerging technologies, the Company enhances customer experience, improves operational efficiency, and expands financial inclusion. With continued breakthroughs in AI and digital finance, Yiren Digital is building the foundation to become a global leader in AI-powered and blockchain-enabled financial technology. For more information, please visit https://ir.yiren.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “target,” “confident” and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Yiren Digital’s control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Yiren Digital’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yiren Digital does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

2025 Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival concludes with Resounding Success

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Advertorial Desk
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Showcasing the full spectrum of American Whiskey and setting the high benchmark for Taipei’s one-of-a-kind Outdoor Whiskey Festival

TAIPEI, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The second annual Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival successfully wrapped up on December 7 at Xinyi Xiangti Avenue in Taipei. Blessed with three days of clear weather, the event attracted over 1,800 whiskey enthusiasts, media, and international guests, transforming Taipei 101 precinct into a vibrant, celebrative, all-American carnival over the weekend.

The 2025 Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival drew an impressive crowd.
The 2025 Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival drew an impressive crowd.

Organized by Joie de Vivre, supported by the Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Department of Economic Development, the festival kicked off with the guests-of-honor, Director of American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the event main sponsor, Buffalo Trace Distillery representatives opening the show on 5 December. AIT Director Raymond F. Greene spoke at the opening ceremony, highlighting the deepening cultural and culinary exchange between Taiwan and the United States.

American Whiskey Shines in Taiwan — From Heritage Icons to Rising Newcomers

This year’s festival brought together some of the most representative American distilleries and emerging brands, presenting a complete spectrum of American whiskey — from bourbon, rye whiskey, wheated bourbon, and American single malt whiskey to innovative experimental expressions.

Brands making their first appearance at the festival include Brother’s Bond, Stanhope, Catoctin Creek, J. Henry & Sons, and Heaven Hill Distillery, each captivating whiskey lovers with their unique mash bills, small-batch releases, and compelling brand stories.

Returning iconic brands such as Buffalo Trace Distillery, 1792 Barton Distillery, Kentucky Owl, and Westland showcased a more expansive and in-depth lineup, becoming the ever favorites throughout the festival.

Many exhibitors also introduced festival-exclusive pours and one-off release expressions rarely seen in Taiwan, giving attendees the chance to explore premium, limited-edition whiskies in one single visit — a key highlight of the event.

A Three-Day Urban Party celebrating the American Spirits — Music, Dance & Culture in Full Swing

Building upon the success of its inaugural year, the festival once again merged American whiskey culture with immersive entertainment, shaping an energetic street-festival atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Key highlights included:

  • Hooters Girls Performance: Hooters dance, interactive games, and a vibrant energy befitting American tradition in partying and having a good time.
  • ADOGA Live Band: Delivering blues, rock, and country classics reminiscent of U.S. outdoor music festivals.
  • DJ Night Sessions: Turning Xiangti Avenue into an open-air dance floor each evening.
  • “Tipsy Express” Guided Tour: A humorous yet informative whiskey journey on-site that has proved popular with festival visitors.

Additionally, the “American Whiskey Night” held at ATT 4 Fun’s outdoor plaza extended the festivities late into the evening. With crowds moving continuously from day to night, Xiangti Avenue was filled with music, laughter, and the aroma of whiskey — creating an unforgettable winter jubilant scene in Taipei.

Boosting Market Momentum — Strong Growth for American Whiskey in Taiwan

Preliminary estimates indicate that the three-day festival generated well over NT$2 million in American whiskey sales. With widespread attention across social media, media outlets, and key opinion leaders’ coverage, the event clearly demonstrates Taiwan’s rapidly growing enthusiasm for American whiskey.

The Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival Organizing Committee Chairman Malcolm Tan remarked:

“This year’s festival grew in scale and depth, and we are delighted to see new brands gaining recognition while we discover Taiwanese consumers have such discerning taste and knowledge in American whiskey. The results exceeded our expectations. We will continue promoting American whiskey culture and look forward to offering an even richer experience next year.”

About the Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival

The Taiwan American Whiskey & Bourbon Festival is dedicated to promoting American whiskey by connecting brands, bars, industry partners, and consumers. As Taiwan’s only major annual event centered on American whiskey, the festival continues to expand brand participation and enrich cultural content—aiming to establish Taiwan as one of Asia’s most promising platforms for American whiskey appreciation.

Brand representatives with AIT Director Raymond F. Greene (center) and distinguished guests from the Taipei City Government during opening ceremony
Brand representatives with AIT Director Raymond F. Greene (center) and distinguished guests from the Taipei City Government during opening ceremony

Thunes Joins World Economic Forum Unicorn Community to Accelerate Global Financial Interoperability

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Thunes Returns to Davos to Deepen Collaboration and Drive Inclusion Across Diverse Financial Systems Worldwide

SINGAPORE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) Unicorn Community, a curated network of technology-driven, high-growth companies shaping the future of global industries. The collaboration between Thunes and WEF is focused on accelerating financial access and connectivity for billions of end users around the world as part of the Centre for Monetary and Financial Systems.

 

 

This marks the second time that Thunes has participated in the World Economic Forum’s financial and monetary system initiatives, contributing insights to global discussions on digital payments, infrastructure innovation and inclusive economic growth. Joining the Unicorn Community deepens this collaboration with WEF, enabling Thunes to work alongside world leaders and other innovators to help build a more interoperable global financial ecosystem and advance equitable financial access.

At the core of this effort is Thunes’ Direct Global Network which enables interoperability across traditional banks, mobile wallets and digital asset platforms with real-time payments across 130 countries and in 80 currencies. By bridging these once-separate financial worlds, Thunes empowers people and businesses everywhere to move money instantly and affordably, driving financial inclusion for both local and global communities and beyond.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, said: “We are honoured to be invited to join the World Economic Forum’s Unicorn Community. Collaborating with WEF for the second time recognises the significant impact our Direct Global Network is having on the way money moves globally. By connecting traditional, digital and emerging financial systems, we are breaking down barriers and enabling more people, businesses and economies to fully participate in the global economy. We look forward to working even more closely with the Forum and its other partners to build the next generation of global financial infrastructure.”

Verena Kuhn, Head, Innovator Communities from the World Economic Forum added: “We are pleased to welcome Thunes into the World Economic Forum Unicorn Community. Thunes’ work to enhance interoperability across financial systems reflects the type of innovation needed to support more inclusive and resilient global economies. Their expertise in building modern cross-border payment infrastructure will provide valuable insights as we work together to advance financial access and strengthen the foundations of the digital economy.”

Thunes remains committed to its mission of enabling the next billion end users in emerging markets to participate in the global economy. Joining the WEF Unicorn Community amplifies this mission and reinforces the company’s role at the forefront of global payment interoperability innovation.

Contact:

WE Communications, thunes@wecommunications.com
Anna Birdsall-Strong, Director of Brand and Public Relations, anna.birdsall@thunes.com 

About the World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Atlanta, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

 

CGS International Delivers Hallmark Year of IPOs, Strengthening its Role in Facilitating Capital Flows Across ASEAN Markets

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  • Landmark year marked by successful listings across Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, spanning Singapore Exchange (“SGX”) Mainboard, Catalist, Bursa Malaysia Main Market, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (“SET”).
  • Key milestones include Info-Tech Systems’ Mainboard IPO, China Medical System’s secondary listing, and Lum Chang Creations’ Catalist debut in Singapore; UMS Integration’s secondary listing, and Paradigm REIT’s Main Market IPO in Malaysia; Mr D.I.Y. Thailand’s listing on the SET.
  • Out of 63 deals completed up to 11 December 2025, 14 were IPOs listed across ASEAN reflecting CGS International’s expanding investment banking franchise and its pivotal role in connecting issuers and investors across ASEAN markets.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (“CGS International”) achieved a hallmark year in 2025, underscoring its growing leadership in Asia’s capital markets through a series of landmark initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and secondary listings in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

As market sentiment improved and cross-border deal activity accelerated, CGS International played an instrumental role in facilitating regional capital flows, amplified through collaboration with CGS International Holdings Limited (“CGI”) in Hong Kong.

Notable IPOs across ASEAN

In Singapore, CGS International Securities Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“CGS SG”) supported three high-profile listings on the SGX:

  • Info-Tech Systems Ltd. – Mainboard IPO raising S$57.4 million, marking Singapore’s first Mainboard IPO in two years.
  • China Medical System Holdings Ltd. – Secondary Listing on the SGX Mainboard, with shares rising 11.2% on debut.
  • Lum Chang Creations Ltd. – Catalist Board IPO, raising S$12.25 million, extending CGS SG’s track record across construction and real estate-related sectors.

In Malaysia, CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (“CGS MY”) continued to strengthen its foothold in the Bursa Malaysia Main Market:

  • UMS Integration Ltd. – Secondary listing, the first of its kind by a Singapore-listed company, enabling UMS to broaden its shareholder base in Malaysia.
  • Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust (“Paradigm REIT”) – Main Market IPO jointly underwritten by CGS MY, which raised RM560 million.
  • Aquawalk Group Bhd – ACE Market IPO, with CGS MY as joint underwriter and joint placement agent, with fundraising of RM228.5 million.
  • Wasco Greenergy Bhd – Main Market IPO with CGS MY as joint bookrunner, with fundraising of RM150 million.

In Thailand, the CGS Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd (“CGS TH”) team rode on Thailand’s IPO market rebound as underwriter for:

  • Mr D.I.Y. Thailand – notably the biggest IPO by market capitalisation on the SET since 2023, with CGS TH as one of the lead underwriters.

Additionally, CGS International supports CGI on multiple Hong Kong IPOs. A key IPO where CGI acted as joint sponsor was:

  • Seres Group – the first luxury new energy vehicle company to complete a dual listing on both the Hong Kong and mainland China exchanges, marking the largest global automotive IPO in 2025 and raising HK$14.3 billion.

Collectively, these transactions reflect CGS International’s ability to mobilise investor interest and deliver strong execution across different regulatory environments and market structures, while facilitating greater connectivity among ASEAN’s capital markets.

“2025 has been a milestone year for CGS International’s investment banking franchise,” said Jason Saw, Group Head of Investment Banking, CGS International. “Our work across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand showcases the depth of our One CGS platform and our ability to connect issuers with the right pools of capital across the HK/mainland China and MIST markets. We remain committed to empowering corporates as they expand, innovate, and participate in Asia’s dynamic growth story.”

CGS International’s achievements this year demonstrate its growing role in shaping Asia’s capital markets. Through its integrated presence across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, the firm continues to facilitate cross-border listings, regional fundraisings, and institutional investor engagement.

“Our robust pipeline of mandates in the year ahead will see us strengthening our leadership position as a trusted gateway for companies and investors navigating Asia’s evolving capital markets landscape,” Jason added.

– END –

About CGS International Securities

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (“CGS International”) is an award-winning and market leading integrated financial services provider, ranked among the top securities houses in Asia.

CGS International taps on our wealth of global and ASEAN insights to offer equities trading, leveraged products, wealth management, investment banking, equities research, Shariah-compliant financing, fixed income, currency and commodities, structured products and prime brokerage services in over 15 countries and regions.

Along with its parent organisation China Galaxy Securities, a leading securities house in China, CGS International is trusted by close to 18 million customers globally.

Find out more at www.cgsi.com.   

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