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ST Engineering iDirect CTO Sridhar Kuppanna Named CTO of the Year by The Fast Mode

HERNDON, Va., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, today announced that its Chief Technology Officer, Sridhar Kuppanna, has been named CTO of the Year (Solution Provider, Global) in the Leadership Excellence category at The Fast Mode Awards 2025. The award recognizes Kuppanna’s visionary leadership in advancing satellite technology and its integration into the global telecommunications ecosystem.

Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer, ST Engineering iDirect
Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer, ST Engineering iDirect

The inaugural awards program from The Fast Mode, a leading industry media, research and analysis platform, celebrates the organizations and leaders driving innovation in connectivity and digital transformation. The Leadership Excellence category honors executives whose work has significantly shaped the telecom industry through strategic vision, measurable achievements, and forward-looking impact.

Under Kuppanna’s leadership, ST Engineering iDirect has pioneered breakthroughs in cloud-native satellite ground systems, AI-driven network automation and 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). His strategic direction has been instrumental in unifying satellite and terrestrial networks, highlighted by the industry’s first demonstration of interoperability between a cloud-native ground system and a 5G Core. This work is paving the way for a standardized 5G-6G future where satellite connectivity is seamless.

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from The Fast Mode,” said Sridhar Kuppanna. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of the entire ST Engineering iDirect team. Our focus is on building an open, standardized, and interoperable future where satellite and terrestrial networks converge. By harnessing the power of cloud, 5G, and AI, we are committed to delivering autonomous, intelligent networks that redefine the possibilities of global connectivity.”

As announced by The Fast Mode on December 1, 2025, winners will be honored at the LiveX Kuala Lumpur 2026 summit on February 6, 2026. The event will bring together industry leaders to explore the technologies and strategies shaping AI-first telecommunications.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite’s most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.

 

AI CAD-OCI Integration Underway: ALL CONEC Begins Validation of Digital Prosthetic Data Workflow

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ALL CONEC has been chosen as a participant in the Dream Venture Star 11 Oracle × Uclick Program and will begin validating a unified data workflow for digital prosthetic production.

The initiative focuses on integrating design, fabrication, and inspection data—generated from ALL CONEC’s AI CAD, ERP, 3D viewer, and IoT 3D printer solutions—into the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) environment.

In the current workflow, various data points created across stages of prosthetic production are often managed separately. ALL CONEC aims to store and manage this data in a consistent structure on OCI, ultimately standardizing the workflow across dental clinics, dental labs, and manufacturers.

If successful, the validation is expected to strengthen data interoperability and improve efficiency across digital prosthetic processes.

Fosun Pharma’s Subsidiary Yao Pharma and Pfizer Enter into Exclusive Collaboration and License Agreement

SHANGHAI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fosun Pharma (SSE: 600196; HKEX: 02196) today announced that its subsidiaries, Chongqing Yao Pharmaceutical Company, Limited. (“Yao Pharma”), Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Industrial Development Company Limited, and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) have entered into an exclusive collaboration and license agreement. Under this agreement, Yao Pharma grants Pfizer an exclusive worldwide license for the development, use, manufacturing, and commercialization of oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, including YP05002, and any products containing such oral small molecule GLP-1R agonists as an active ingredient. The license covers all indications for therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic human and veterinary use. Under the terms of the agreement, Yao Pharma will complete an ongoing YP05002 Phase 1 clinical trial in Australia and grants Pfizer an exclusive license to further develop, manufacture and commercialize YP05002 worldwide. Yao Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $150 million and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $1.935 billion, as well as tiered royalties on sales, if approved.

The licensed small-molecule GLP-1R agonists were independently researched and developed by Fosun Pharma’s subsidiary Yao Pharma with proprietary intellectual property rights and are intended for the treatment of metabolic diseases, with potential indications including but not limited to chronic weight management, type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), among others. YP05002 is currently in Phase 1 clinical development in Australia.

“The partnership with Pfizer marks the international recognition of Yao pharma’s R&D capabilities. We firmly believe that only through openness and collaboration can the value of innovation be maximized.” Mr. Liu Qiang, Chairman of Yao Pharma, stated, “Leveraging Pfizer’s exceptional global development experience and commercialization network, along with Yao Pharma’s profound expertise in small molecule R&D and manufacturing, our shared goal is to enable this innovative drug candidate to be developed and commercialized in order to benefit patients worldwide more quickly and broadly.”

“The global collaboration with Pfizer is another significant milestone in Fosun Pharma’s strategy of innovation and internationalization.” Mr. Chen Yuqing, Chairman of Fosun Pharma, said, “Fosun Pharma is committed to addressing unmet clinical needs. We look forward to working with Pfizer to expedite the global development and commercialization of YP05002, with the goal of working toward addressing the challenges of obesity and metabolic diseases for patients in need.”

Jiande Showcases Integrated Culture, Tourism and Sports Experiences to International Students

Light Adventure Activities Highlight the City’s New Appeal to Young Global Visitors

JIANDE, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From December 6 to 7, 2025, the “Jiande Light Adventure Sports, Trendy New Experience” cultural tourism promotion was held in Jiande, Zhejiang province. Organized by the Jiande Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports and hosted by Zhejiang Radio & TV Group’s Zhejiang Music 96.8 FM, the event brought together 50 international students from Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics. Over two immersive days, they discovered the city’s culture and modern leisure scene through a curated journey featuring light adventure sports, cultural heritage and rural charm.

Cultural Heritage: Connecting with History

The tour began on the afternoon of December 6 at the Jiande Museum with an interactive clay figurine workshop. With guidance from a local heritage artisan, students transformed colorful dough into expressive, playful figures. The hands-on experience offered an engaging window into Jiande’s traditions, making its cultural story resonate with the young global visitors and highlighting the city’s tourism appeal.

Light Adventure Sports: Where Adrenaline Meets Fun

Following the cultural heritage tour, the international students continued their journey at X•WATER, where the energy shifted into high gear. As one of China’s most comprehensive diving-themed hotels, it showcases exceptional facilities—from a 42-meter deep diving pool to a surfing pool and professional bouldering hall—setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure experience.

With professional coaches leading the way, the students quickly embraced the excitement. The blend of movement, challenge, and discovery introduced them to Jiande’s fresh approach to light adventure sports, leaving them with one of the trip’s most memorable moments.

Evening Stroll: Soaking Up Local Life

As dusk settled, the group arrived at Shouchang 909 Night Street. A vibrant hub of dining, culture, and entertainment, it has quickly become a key landmark in Jiande’s nighttime economy and a symbol of the city’s increasing vitality. Students joined dragon dance performances, connecting with local traditions and soaking in the warmth and lively atmosphere after dark.

Trail Running: Scenery and Shared Joy

The next morning, the students made their way to Zizhou Village in Qiantan Town for the Maling Ancient Trail Cross-Country Race. Recognized as Zhejiang’s sole entry among the Top 10 Classic Hiking Routes in the Yangtze River Delta, the trail provided a breathtaking setting. The runners’ spirited energy animated the entire scene. Later, at a village farmhouse restaurant, the group enjoyed a local barbecue while exchanging stories and cultural impressions.

The two-day visit was both active and immersive. The fifty young global scholars became lively ambassadors for Jiande, sharing their experiences with the world.

More than a tourism success, this event used light adventure sports and cultural exchange to strengthen the 17°C Jiande Xin’an River tourism brand and raise Jiande’s profile as a destination for accessible adventure. Looking ahead, Jiande will continue to blend culture, tourism, and sport, introducing more engaging offerings—crafting a future where nature, culture, and community thrive together.

 

China Matters’ Feature: A Dutch Vlogger’s Shenzhen Symphony — Bridging Cultures Through Music

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Dutch vlogger has struck a chord with a global audience by paying for a foreign musician to craft an original song celebrating the Shenzhen, China for US$700.


China Matters’ Feature: A Dutch Vlogger’s Shenzhen Symphony — Bridging Cultures Through Music

The video unfolds like a cultural adventure. At first, the foreign musician is awed by Shenzhen’s striking contrasts – gleaming skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, while tech hubs buzz alongside traditional markets. Through heartfelt conversations, the vlogger and musician dive into Shenzhen’s essence: its relentless innovation, diverse population, and harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

The creative process is a delightful clash of cultures. The musician experiments, fusing electronic beats with Chinese folk instruments, and struggles to capture Shenzhen’s spirit in English lyrics. Meanwhile, the vlogger shares personal anecdotes about the city’s warmth and energy, from late – night street food to vibrant art scenes.

The final song is a masterpiece. It portrays Shenzhen as a beacon of progress, where people from all walks of life come together to shape the future. This project is a testament to how music can transcend borders, offering a fresh, heartfelt perspective on one of China’s most dynamic cities.

Dive into this cross-cultural musical journey and experience Shenzhen like never before.

YouTube Link:https://youtu.be/5EWf7k3Xlr8?si=SFX2s2HPrXWNEFed

Metis Helps Renovate Three Schools in Xinhua County, Hunan, China, Extending Love to Children’s Starting Line

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In December 2025, Metis Global Group (Metis) ‘s three educational charity construction projects in Xinhua County, Hunan, were officially completed, covering the renovation of school buildings and equipment at Ronghua Township Central Primary School, Luguan Town Qingshan Middle School, and Shichongkou Town Dongfeng Primary School. This series of charitable initiatives focused on the core needs of grassroots education, substantially improving the learning and living conditions for students and teachers in rural areas. By optimising school facilities and upgrading teaching equipment, the group aims to create a more stable and hopeful starting point for the children’s growth.

At Ronghua Township Central Primary School, the multimedia function classroom donated by Metis was officially put into use, along with the completion of the teaching building renovation, effectively improving the quality of the teaching space and allowing students to study in a safer and more comfortable environment. At Luguan Town Qingshan Middle School, the group-sponsored renovation of the teachers’ apartment was successfully completed, significantly enhancing the living conditions for educators, enabling them to devote themselves to teaching with peace of mind. And at Shichongkou Town Dongfeng Primary School, Metis sponsored the construction of a new teaching building and essential equipment, ensuring the school could open as scheduled and offering students a refreshed, well-lit environment for learning.

Group photo from the completion ceremony of the Metis Global Group charity project, marking the milestone of the new school buildings and essential equipment being brought into use.
Group photo from the completion ceremony of the Metis Global Group charity project, marking the milestone of the new school buildings and essential equipment being brought into use.

Dr German Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis, also shared his own experiences of growth and schooling during several completion ceremonies. He encouraged the teachers and students to hold onto their beliefs, face challenges with courage, and cultivate resilience. He urged the children to be grateful to their parents, teachers, and society, and to establish themselves with a spirit of honesty, trustworthiness, and optimistic initiative. At the same time, he emphasised that only through diligent study and aspirations for success can they contribute back to society in the future and become a force for positive change.

This charitable construction project received high recognition from government and relevant departmental leaders, being viewed as a significant catalyst for local educational development and fully embodying the enterprise’s steadfast commitment to grassroots education. Metis adheres to the vision of being “A Trusted Partner In Creating Financial Legacies” and takes “Partner for Trust, Wisdom and Integrity” as its core spirit. It aims to deliver integrity through wisdom and respond to society’s trust through action. In the future, the group will continue to promote relevant projects to enhance teaching quality, believing that the power of education can bring life-changing opportunities to children.

Metis will continue to prioritise public welfare, consolidate more resources of compassion, and support rural education in its steady progress, allowing the light of knowledge to shine upon the growth path of more children.

About Metis Global Group

Metis Global Group is a financial group that strives to provide unconventional trust and wealth management solutions to clients in Asia. As members of a well-established group, Metis Global (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Metis Global Limited, and Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited offer trust solutions from jurisdictions that have well-developed trust protections which provide clients with comprehensive asset protection.

Carousel & Co. To Launch Malaysia’s First Social Entertainment Venue at Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur

Global skill games leader HB Leisure introduces an all-in-one carnival-inspired destination for play, drinks and dining – bringing the internationally recognised ‘competitive socialising’ concept to Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 December 2025 – Backed by global skill games leader HB Leisure (HBL), Carousel & Co. is set to debut Malaysia’s first social entertainment venue at Avenue K in December 2025 – an all-in-one destination that combines play, drinks and dining in a premium, tech-enhanced rooftop setting in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
The Carousel Bar - Inspired by a classic carnival ride, this circular bar is the heartbeat of Carousel & Co., serving handcrafted cocktails and shareable bites.
The Carousel Bar – Inspired by a classic carnival ride, this circular bar is the heartbeat of Carousel & Co., serving handcrafted cocktails and shareable bites.

Introducing the internationally recognised trend of ‘competitive socialising,’ Carousel & Co. invites guests to eat, drink, and challenge one another across large-format skill games within a highly immersive venue inspired by the golden age of fairgrounds.

A New Category in Malaysia’s Leisure Landscape
Designed as a carnival-inspired, group-focused experience, Carousel & Co. transforms traditional outings into interactive social play. The multi-zone venue will feature large-format skill games, immersive design elements, and an elevated food and beverage offering crafted for connection. From corporate mixers to casual hangouts, the concept bridges the energy of a carnival with the comfort of modern social dining – giving city-goers a new way to unwind, celebrate and compete.

“Malaysia’s social scene is evolving beyond dining and nightlife. Carousel & Co. brings the next phase – an experience that celebrates connection, creativity and competition,” said Greg Pearn, Head of New Concepts at HBL. “We wanted to capture that nostalgic carnival feeling but reimagine it for adults – where the games are bigger, the cocktails bolder and the laughter louder. We’re combining our 100-year heritage in theme park skill-based entertainment with Kuala Lumpur’s growing appetite for quality, playful experiences.”

Tech-Enabled, Group-Centric, and Scalable
Carousel & Co. marks HBL’s entry into Malaysia’s lifestyle and entertainment market with a venue designed for both scalability and franchise potential across Southeast Asia.

Key highlights include:

  • Tech-Enabled Play – Digital game-play scoring integrated throughout the venue
  • Group-Centric Design – Spaces tailored for teams, gatherings, and social interaction
  • Scalable Model – A proven business concept with global franchise potential

The venue will feature modern takes on classic skill games, including Down-The-Clown, Skeeball and Basketball, with real-time scoring integrated throughout the space.

“Avenue K is exactly the right kind of playground for what we’re building,” added Greg Pearn. “It’s at the centre of the city’s heartbeat – where business types, shoppers and travellers all cross paths. Carousel & Co. will fit right in by giving people a spot to have a drink, take a bite to eat, share a laugh and sneak in a little friendly competition along the way.”

Driving Malaysia’s Urban Leisure Evolution
Carousel & Co. arrives at a time when Malaysia’s leisure market is diversifying, driven by a growing appetite for interactive, experience-led entertainment. Positioned at the intersection of hospitality, technology, and lifestyle, the brand is set to elevate how Malaysians and visitors spend their social hours – together and playfully competitive. The Avenue K flagship location marks the beginning of a regional expansion, with franchise discussions already advanced globally, ahead of launch.
Hashtag: #CarouselAndCo #PlayDrinkEatKL #RooftopPlayground #OpeningSoonInAvenueK #kualalumpur





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

About Carousel & Co.

Carousel & Co. is Kuala Lumpur’s new social entertainment restaurant and bar at Avenue K near the Petronas Twin Towers in the city’s Golden Triangle. Designed for urban explorers, office crowds, and weekend seekers, it blends play, dining and drinks in one vibrant destination. Backed by HB Leisure, the global leader in skill games, Carousel & Co. brings the thrill of giant games, handcrafted cocktails and shareable comfort food into a unique city-centre setting.

Guests can unwind over casual bites or signature platters between friendly matches, group gatherings or after-work drinks. With plush corners for private dinners, open spaces for social events and a rooftop deck for city views, every corner is made for connection and good energy.

Strategically located with direct connectivity to KLCC LRT, major hotels and shopping centres, Carousel & Co. anchors Avenue K’s rise as a new after-work and weekend hotspot. Opening in December 2025, it brings a new kind of play to the city’s skyline.

Find out more :

| | | : Carousel & Co Malaysia

About HB Leisure (HBL)
HB Leisure (HBL) is the world’s largest operator of skill games and family attractions, partnering with over 150 destinations across 28+ countries and entertaining more than 150 million guests each year. Established in 1927, HBL is trusted by the world’s leading theme and amusement parks to deliver end-to-end game operations that boost guest dwell time, participation, and revenue performance.

In 2025, HBL expanded further across Asia with flagship projects in Shanghai, Seoul and Jeddah, continuing its 100-year legacy of transforming entertainment spaces into high-energy destinations where fun always wins.

Find out more :

Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi releases inaugural Financial Center Competitiveness Index

  • Results rank New York, London, and Singapore as the top three global financial centers
  • Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha all feature in the top 30, underscoring the GCC’s growing role in global finance
  • First major publication of the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness in Abu Dhabi, supported by Ray Dalio

ABU DHABI, UAE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi (Stern at NYUAD), one of the world’s leading business schools, today released the inaugural Financial Center Competitiveness Index (FCCI) at the Global Markets Summit during Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The index evaluates international financial centers worldwide and ranks New York, London, and Singapore as the top three. Highlighting the GCC’s growing influence in a landscape long shaped by established hubs, the Index places Abu Dhabi 12th and Dubai 14th overall, with Riyadh 26th and Doha 29th.

As the global economic landscape becomes more complex, traditional indices offer rankings without fully explaining what drives them. The FCCI addresses this gap. Using data science to blend data driven rankings with strategic analysis, it gives policymakers a clearer view of how financial centers compare and compete, helps emerging centers understand how to strategically plan for growth, and supports decision makers navigating increasingly complex global economic dynamics.

The Institute advances research into the evolving global economic order, with a focus on the role of international financial centers. By creating a systematic benchmark for financial centers, it provides policymakers, business leaders, and investors with an evidence-based framework to navigate shifting global dynamics.

“International financial centers are one of the clearest ways to observe how the global economy is shifting” said Rob Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYUAD. “With the FCCI and the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, we wanted to move beyond league tables and provide a research-based view of how cities are engaged in building financial capacity. The strong performance of cities located in the Gulf region shows how fast new hubs can move when policy, regulation, talent, and innovation are aligned.”

The FCCI uses a two-pillar framework that looks at today and tomorrow. The Footprint pillar tracks current scale and activity, including institutional strength, resources, and local ecosystems. The Dynamics pillar assesses growth potential and future readiness, with a focus on technology and innovation. Together, the pillars show where centers stand now and how prepared they are for what comes next.

The principal investigators of the Index are Bruno Lanvin, President of the Descartes Institute and Senior Advisor at the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, Stern at NYUAD, and Anisa Shyti, Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting at Stern at NYUAD.

“In an environment of shifting growth engines, new technologies, and rising geopolitical risk, financial centers need tools that help them think in years, not quarters,” said Lanvin. “The Index is meant to sit at the intersection of data and strategy. It helps cities understand how they fit into a more polycentric financial system. Our aim is to inform better choices, whether that means where to invest, where to locate, or how to build the trust that ultimately underpins competitiveness.”

The index also points to the rising importance of technology and infrastructure. As AI intensive and data driven activity expands, financial centers must invest in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy to support new forms of financial intermediation.

“The FCCI is built to be used, not just read,” said Shyti. “By separating Footprint and Dynamics, and by making the data available through an interactive platform, we give policymakers, financial center managers, and investors the power to stress test their assumptions – a tool for decision and action. Uncertainty hits everyone, but never the same way. Stakeholders can shift the weight to regulation, or technology, or talent – and instantly see the rankings reshape to the future they expect. That flexibility is essential in a world where the questions keep changing.”

The FCCI is the first major publication of the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, which Stern at NYUAD announced last month. The Institute uses data science to research It is mentored by renowned investor Ray Dalio and brings together a world class team of researchers and advisors.

The performance of the GCC reflects a wider regional trend. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, targeted investments in innovation, and the expansion of financial activity across the region are contributing to the rise of several regional centers. These developments underscore the need for tools like the FCCI, which clarifies how financial centers evolve and compete over time.

Produced by the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness (IGFC) at Stern at NYUAD, with support from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Dalio Philanthropies, 

The full FCCI report is available here.