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Greenyn Biotechnology Launches Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide, Targeting the Billion-Dollar Health Supplement Market

TAICHUNG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Backed by New Medical Association Certification, Insumate® Becomes the Only Bitter Melon Peptide Globally Recognized by FDA-NDI, SNQ, and the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS).

As global demand for scientifically validated metabolic health ingredients continues to rise, Greenyn Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a publicly listed biotechnology company in Taiwan, announced today that its flagship ingredient Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide has been awarded the “Excellent Product Quality Certification” by the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS).

This recognition positions Insumate® as the only bitter melon peptide ingredient to have simultaneously obtained:

  • Certification from the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS)
  • U.S. FDA New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) approval
  • Symbol of National Quality (SNQ)

This combination of recognitions is currently unmatched among bitter-melon–derived functional ingredients worldwide.

Choose products with national and international certifications to minimize health risks from excessive or unknown ingredients from the source.
Choose products with national and international certifications to minimize health risks from excessive or unknown ingredients from the source.

According to Greenyn Biotechnology’s General Manager and R&D lead Dr. Pang-Kuei Hsu, this certification confirms that the ingredient has passed stringent reviews covering raw materials, manufacturing, scientific validation, and clinical research—establishing it as a trusted reference for medical professionals selecting nutritional support ingredients. Greenyn expects the new certification to further enhance the medical community’s confidence in clinically supported functional ingredients and accelerate the company’s expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.

Growing Demand for Metabolic Health Solutions: Greenyn Sets a New Benchmark with Evidence-Based Bitter Melon Peptide Research

Recent data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) highlights the increasing global need for metabolic health solutions. As of 2024, 589 million adults worldwide—approximately 1 in 9 people—are living with diabetes, a number projected to reach 853 million by 2050.

Over 12 Years of Research, Three Major Certifications: Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Builds Strong Trust Among Professionals and Consumers

Greenyn spent over a decade collaborating with medical schools and biomedical research institutions in Taiwan to develop Insumate®. Using low-temperature supercritical extraction, the team successfully isolated the bioactive mcIRBP-19 peptide, a precisely sequenced small-molecule peptide extracted from bitter melon. This solvent-free process preserves peptide integrity and bioactivity, setting it apart from conventional solvent extraction methods that produce undefined polypeptide mixtures.

Patented 19-Peptide Directly Interacts with Insulin Receptors to Support Glucose Control

Research conducted by Greenyn shows that mcIRBP-19 directly interacts with insulin receptors through a unique binding site, activating downstream signaling pathways that support efficient glucose utilization.

Clinical studies in Taiwan demonstrated that consuming mcIRBP-19 for 12 weeks resulted in:

  • around 14% reduction in fasting blood glucose
  • over 22% reduction in triglycerides
  • significant improvement in HbA1c

For sub-health populations, including aging individuals or those experiencing metabolic slowdown, international studies have shown that high doses of bitter melon components help maintain stable blood glucose levels and significantly improve HbA1c and triglycerides in older subgroups.

To date, more than seven SCI-indexed papers and three large-scale clinical trials involving over 200 subjects have validated its efficacy.

Dr. Tao-Ming Chen, President of the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society (TCMS), emphasized:

“Products certified by the Taiwan Complementary Medicine Society have met strict standards in scientific validation, clinical evidence, and quality management, offering healthcare professionals a trustworthy reference for supportive nutrition. In recent years, bitter melon has become one of the most studied ingredients for metabolic and blood glucose support. Many products on the market claim to contain bitter melon; however, only by choosing patented formulas that carry the Society’s certification can consumers truly support daily metabolic management and maintain better overall health.”

This certification establishes Insumate® as a clinically supported functional ingredient suitable for long-term metabolic health management.

Expanding Globally: Strengthening International Presence

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global nutraceutical market is expected to grow from USD 458.5 billion in 2024 to USD 986.8 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.18%. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to exceed 30% of global market share by 2026, driven by rising demand for science-backed, clinically effective functional ingredients.

Greenyn has established multiple international collaborations and continues strengthening its presence across the Asia-Pacific region and global markets.

Insumate® has now expanded into more than ten countries, achieving commercial launches and demonstrating strong market acceptance across diverse regions.

The company will continue deepening and broadening its global partnerships while advancing regulatory pathways across Asia, the U.S., and the EU to support long-term international compliance.

Driving Taiwan’s Biotech Industry from Manufacturing to Innovation

Dr. Hsu emphasized that Greenyn has developed multiple patented ingredients including Insumate® mcIRBP-19 Bitter Melon Peptide, Antromax® Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia, and other proprietary innovations. The company holds over 100 international patents, more than 30 global invention awards, and is certified under HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and Halal. Greenyn provides end-to-end services from raw material development to formulation design and full ODM/OEM manufacturing.

Greenyn aims to accelerate global collaborations and become the leading provider of scientifically validated functional ingredients across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

HKEX Expands Index Business with Launch of HKEX Tech 100 Index

  • New index tracks 100 companies listed in Hong Kong across six major technology-focused themes
  • HKEX’s first Hong Kong equity index, marking a significant milestone in Group’s index and data business development
  • HKEX enters licensing agreement with E Fund Management to issue an ETF in Chinese Mainland market

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is pleased to announce a major expansion of its index portfolio with the launch of the HKEX Tech 100 Index (HKEX Tech 100), the Group’s first Hong Kong equity index that underscores its ongoing investment in building the vibrancy of the region’s capital market ecosystem.

HKEX Tech 100 is a broad-based benchmark that tracks the performance of 100 of the largest Hong Kong-listed companies across six innovative themes: Artificial Intelligence, Biotech & Pharmaceutical, Electric Vehicles & Smart Driving, Information Technology, Internet, and Robotics. All constituents are eligible for Stock Connect Southbound trading, ensuring broad accessibility for global and Chinese Mainland investors.

HKEX is also pleased to announce it has entered into a licensing agreement with E Fund Management Company Limited (E Fund Management), a leading Chinese Mainland asset management company, for the introduction of an exchange traded fund (ETF) based on HKEX Tech 100 in the Chinese Mainland.

HKEX Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie Y Chan, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the HKEX Tech 100 Index, a significant milestone in HKEX’s journey to build its index and data business. This new broad-based index covers the leading innovative sectors in our listed issuer universe that have transformed the DNA of Hong Kong’s markets, and its launch underscores the critical role our markets play in nurturing these emerging industries. This new benchmark provides investors with an effective and comprehensive tool to capture opportunities in some of the most exciting and transformative sectors in our market.”

The index incorporates a fast-entry mechanism, enabling newly-listed companies that meet specific criteria to join the index outside of the regular review cycle after they become eligible for Stock Connect Southbound trading.

Ms Chan added: “Our licensing arrangement with E Fund Management will help support the further development of a product suite linked to Hong Kong equities in the Chinese Mainland, meeting the strong market demand in the region for opportunities in Hong Kong’s vibrant tech sector. We look forward to working closely with E Fund Management and other industry partners, as we develop innovative indices and products that meet evolving investor needs and support the creation of new investment tools.”

Dr Liu Xiaoyan, Chairwoman of E Fund Management, stated: “We are pleased to work with HKEX to develop an ETF for the Chinese Mainland market that tracks the HKEX Tech 100 Index. This index brings together a comprehensive group of 100 leading technology companies listed in Hong Kong, reflecting the vibrancy and innovation of the city’s tech sector. We look forward to the launch of this ETF, which will aim to provide investors with an efficient way to tap into the growth opportunities of Hong Kong-listed tech companies while also supporting the real economy and fostering the ongoing development of emerging industries.”

With the licensing agreement, E Fund Management plans to launch an ETF in the Chinese Mainland based on HKEX Tech 100, subject to regulatory approval and the issuer’s further announcements. Going forward, HKEX will explore other index opportunities and work with industry partners in product development around its indices.

Index methodology and additional information about HKEX Tech 100 are available on the HKEX website.

MegazoneCloud Accelerates U.S. Expansion… Targets 10x U.S. Revenue Growth in 2026

–    Media Briefing at AWS re:Invent to Announce 2026 Business Plan and Strategy
–    To Proactively Respond to High-Growth Market Momentum, MegazoneCloud U.S. to Dramatically Expand Full-Time Headcount in 2026
–    Building AWS-Centered Local Leadership and Strengthening Global Partnerships to Accelerate U.S. Business from Generative AI to Quantum Computing

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MegazoneCloud, a leading AI-native digital transformation company, is accelerating its expansion in the U.S. market. Leveraging its global partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company plans to scale rapidly in the U.S. and strengthen its growth engine across next-generation technologies including Generative AI and Quantum Computing.

Jon Providence, U.S. CRO, and Scott Weber, U.S. CTO, speak about MegazoneCloud’s U.S. market strategy and business plans during a media briefing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jon Providence, U.S. CRO, and Scott Weber, U.S. CTO, speak about MegazoneCloud’s U.S. market strategy and business plans during a media briefing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

MegazoneCloud held a media briefing in Las Vegas during AWS re:Invent 2025, where it unveiled its 2026 U.S. market business plan and strategy. The session featured presentations by Jon Providence, U.S. CRO (Chief Revenue Officer), and Scott Weber, U.S. CTO (Chief Technology Officer). The executives introduced the company’s U.S. growth goals, execution priorities, and organizational direction.

Jon Providence stated, “MegazoneCloud plans to dramatically increase its full-time headcount in the U.S. next year, and based on that growth, we aim to expand U.S. revenue by more than 10 times.”

Providence highlighted the market opportunity, adding, “The U.S. cloud computing market is expected to sustain a CAGR of 16.5% over the next five years and grow to $1 trillion by 2030. In particular, driven by the rapid adoption of Generative AI and Natural Language Processing solutions, the cloud AI segment is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 31% during the same period”

He continued, “To capture these market tailwinds, MegazoneCloud will leverage our strategic partnership with AWS and our proprietary solutions—including our enterprise AI platform Megazone AIR Studio and our security brand HALO—to help U.S. customers move faster and secure key positions in AI and cloud transformation. With a U.S. leadership team that has a proven track record of building successful AWS ISV partnerships, and with a significantly strengthened local organization centered around that team, we are confident in achieving our revenue targets.”

Jon Providence commented on the company’s partnership strategy, saying, “In the U.S. market, AWS is our core partner and will remain at the center of our expansion.” He added, “MegazoneCloud has already established top-tier partnerships with leading global tech companies such as Databricks, and Datadog. Building on these collaborations, we will deliver integrated technology and service value to customers.”

He emphasized MegazoneCloud’s AWS expertise, stating, “MegazoneCloud has deep specialization in AWS, with four AWS Ambassadors—technical leaders officially selected by AWS for their outstanding expertise within partner organizations— including our U.S. CTO.” He continued, “Based on this expertise, MegazoneCloud U.S. is driving professional services as key pillars in AI Strategy, Cloud Modernization, and Application Transformation.”

He added, “In collaboration with AWS Professional Services, we will help customers accelerate their AI and cloud transformation journeys. In addition, we will further strengthen our reach and touchpoints with local customers.” He said the U.S. organization will also focus on solving industry-specific challenges and expanding AWS opportunities for Korean enterprises operating in the United States.

Scott Weber concluded, “MegazoneCloud is an AWS partner with differentiated breadth and depth—spanning cloud-native to AI-native, and extending into Quantum Computing. We deliver unique expertise that covers both AI and quantum domains simultaneously.” He added, “With world-class capabilities and ISO-certified reliability, including AIR Studio, we will actively leverage this portfolio to accelerate growth in the U.S. market.”

MegazoneCloud is a leading AI and cloud-native digital transformation company, pioneering innovation since its founding in 1998. As Korea’s first official partner of Google Apps (2009) and AWS (2012), the company has grown into a global technology leader, becoming Korea’s first cloud tech unicorn in 2022.

With more than 2,000 technology experts and strategic partnerships with major global and domestic cloud service providers (CSPs), MegazoneCloud supports over 8,000 customers worldwide—from large enterprises to fast-growing startups. The company also collaborates with more than 150 independent software vendors (ISVs) to deliver a full spectrum of services across cloud migration, AI, data analytics, and security.

To help every organization become AI-native, MegazoneCloud delivers integrated solutions through its proprietary cloud, AI, and security platforms, including AIR Studio, Space CloudOps, Hyper Billing, and HALO Security. These platforms reflect MegazoneCloud’s commitment to innovation and customer success in the AI era.

Headquartered in Seoul, Korea, MegazoneCloud has built a strong global presence through overseas subsidiaries and local branches across nine countries—including the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Each entity works closely with regional customers and partners to accelerate cloud adoption and AI-driven innovation, while expanding MegazoneCloud’s end-to-end delivery capabilities worldwide.

Guided by its vision, “Transform Tomorrow, Together,” MegazoneCloud is dedicated to helping customers build future-ready competitiveness powered by technology, data, and people, continuing to grow alongside its global partners and clients.

 

Scott Weber, U.S. CTO, Doug Yeum, CEO of MegazoneCloud, and Jon Providence, U.S. CRO, answer reporters’ questions during a media briefing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Scott Weber, U.S. CTO, Doug Yeum, CEO of MegazoneCloud, and Jon Providence, U.S. CRO, answer reporters’ questions during a media briefing in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ascentium and Standard Chartered Announce Strategic Partnership to Simplify Cross-Border Growth

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascentium has partnered with Standard Chartered to make cross-border expansion simpler and faster for businesses across Asia-Pacific (APAC). Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, the collaboration is designed to empower clients to seize opportunities in the region with practical, clear solutions.

Launching in Hong Kong with a fast-track banking service for Ascentium clients, the partnership helps businesses open accounts quickly and begin operations without unnecessary delays. While Hong Kong is the starting point, both organisations plan to extend this model to other APAC markets in the near future.

The partnership also creates a connected network across APAC, giving clients direct access to Standard Chartered’s referral network in Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India. By combining banking efficiency with Ascentium’s corporate services expertise, the collaboration positions Ascentium as a one-stop growth platform for businesses looking to scale across borders with confidence.

Beyond delivering a smarter way to bank, Ascentium and Standard Chartered are opening avenues for businesses to connect, grow, and thrive through joint marketing initiatives and co-hosted events in markets including Vietnam and Mainland China which are already underway. Ascentium will also join Standard Chartered’s Global Chinese Services network, establishing a connection to Chinese corporates and reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to supporting businesses with global ambitions.

Wendy Wang, Founding Management and Group President of Ascentium, said: “This partnership reflects a shared mission to make expansion simpler, faster, and more human. By bringing together leaders in banking and corporate services, we’ve created a powerhouse that gives businesses clarity and confidence from day one. We’re excited to embark on this journey with Standard Chartered, and to work together in delivering this model to more markets across Asia.”

Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking at Standard Chartered, added: “As a leading international wealth manager, our goal is to make banking simple and accessible for businesses with global ambitions. Our partnership with Ascentium allows us to offer our clients a smoother, end-to-end experience, from account opening to cross-border expansion, helping businesses scale with confidence.”

(From left to right) Tony So, Head, SME Banking, Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, and Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking, both from Standard Chartered, Wendy Wang, Founding Management & Group President, and Gary Tok, Group Chief Commercial Officer, both from Ascentium.
(From left to right) Tony So, Head, SME Banking, Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, and Xie Wen, Global Head, SME Banking, both from Standard Chartered, Wendy Wang, Founding Management & Group President, and Gary Tok, Group Chief Commercial Officer, both from Ascentium.

– END –

About Ascentium

Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses and individuals scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we drive extraordinary growth through expert people, purpose-led technology, and an unwavering commitment to service excellence.

With over 2,500 professionals across 45 cities in 23 markets globally, we deliver integrated solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, fund administration, human resources, and fiduciary and trust services. Serving more than 60,000 client entities across diverse industries, Ascentium combines specialised expertise with innovative, technology-enabled solutions to help clients navigate complexity and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.

For more information, visit: ascentium.com

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Significant Improvement in Quality of Life Reported in Updated HARMONi-6 Data for Ivonescimab at ESMO Asia

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) announced that at the 2025 ESMO Asia Congress, updated results from the pivotal Phase III HARMONi-6 study (AK112-306) were shared in an oral presentation by Professor Shun Lu from Shanghai Chest Hospital. The study evaluates ivonescimab (a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody) combined with chemotherapy versus tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy in first-line treatment for advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC).

Beyond the previously reported efficacy data presented at the ESMO 2025 Presidential Symposium and simultaneously published in The Lancet, this presentation further disclosed patient-reported quality of life outcomes based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Both prolonging survival and improving quality of life are core indicators for evaluating cancer treatments. The results published at 2025 ESMO Asia demonstrate that, compared to the tislelizumab-based regimen, treatment with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy not only significantly prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) but also offers better tolerability, enables higher treatment adherence, and provides patients to maintain better overall health status and quality of life over a longer period. These findings highlight the comprehensive clinical value of the ivonescimab regimen in delivering both survival and quality-of-life benefits for patients.

  • Quality of life (QoL) assessments from the HARMONi-6 study show that, compared with PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy, ivonescimab plus chemotherapy not only significantly prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) but also helps patients maintain better overall health status. Time to deterioration in “Global Health Status/Quality of Life” was meaningfully delayed in the ivonescimab arm (HR = 0.94), indicating a trend toward reduced risk of QoL worsening versus the control group.
  • The ivonescimab-based regimen met the primary PFS endpoint versus the tislelizumab-based regimen, delivering a decisive, strongly positive outcome with both statistical significance and clear clinical benefit. PFS was substantially prolonged with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy compared with tislelizumab plus chemotherapy.
  • The hazard ratio for PFS between the ivonescimab and tislelizumab arms was 0.60 (P < 0.0001), corresponding to an absolute PFS improvement (ΔPFS) of 4.24 months (11.14 months vs. 6.90 months). This benefit was consistent across all PD-L1 expression subgroups.

The HARMONi-6 study enrolled 532 patients with well-balanced baseline characteristics. Among these patients, 92.3% had stage IV disease at enrollment. The squamous histology profile of the patients reflected real-world patterns, with approximately 63% of patients exhibiting the central squamous subtype (66.9% in the ivonescimab arm vs. 59.4% in the control arm). PD-L1 expression levels were also aligned with clinical expectations.

The results from the HARMONi-6 study further validate the breakthrough clinical value of the ivonescimab-plus-chemotherapy regimen compared to PD-1-plus chemotherapy regimen. The ivonescimab-plus chemotherapy regimen addresses a critical clinical gap when anti-angiogenic agents such as bevacizumab demonstrated severe safety considerations in the treatment of sq-NSCLC. Since ivonescimab’s initial approval in 2024, it has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies and used in real-world settings involving over 40,000 patients, where its transformative clinical benefits have been consistently demonstrated.

Across the immuno-oncology landscape, ivonescimab has shown clinical superiority to both PD-1 based treatments, which are currently the optimal standard of care for many cancers, and to also VEGF-targeted therapies in anti-angiogenesis based treatments.

In July 2025, based on the HARMONi-6 study results, the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for sq-NSCLC was accepted for review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). Akeso’s partner, Summit Therapeutics, is currently carrying out a global multicenter Phase III HARMONi-3 study, evaluating ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC (both squamous and non-squamous subtypes).

Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc.

This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, “Akeso”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 26 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

Aspire launches fast, low-cost international payments in Hong Kong, expanding partnership with Wise Platform

Powered by local rails, the partnership enables fast, low-cost transfers in more than 40 currencies.

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aspire, the leading all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses, is taking its mission to build a truly connected financial ecosystem further with the launch of fast, low-cost international payments in Hong Kong. Powered by Wise Platform, Wise’s global payment infrastructure for banks and enterprises, the new integration enables customers to send money in more than 40 currencies, including to countries like Singapore, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea — directly from the Aspire platform.

Building on a successful partnership that began in Singapore in 2019, Aspire is now extending its Wise Platform-powered cross-border payments experience to customers in Hong Kong, offering fast transfers and low transaction costs within the same interface they already use for payments, cards, and expense management.

“Cross-border payments are the backbone of global commerce, and for businesses in Hong Kong, speed and cost efficiency can make all the difference,” said Andrea Baronchelli, CEO and Co-founder of Aspire. “By embedding Wise’s infrastructure directly into Aspire, we’ve created a truly connected experience — where cards, payments, expenses, and global transfers all work seamlessly together. This expansion to our partnership is a major step toward our vision of building the most connected financial operating system for modern businesses.”

“In a major hub, like Hong Kong, where companies operate across borders every day, offering a best in class cross-border experience is essential and a key requirement for any business looking for a financial partner. Aspire has been a key partner since 2019 and enabling them to expand and offer the same cross-border experience across their merchants demonstrates the value of Wise Platform. We’re proud to be providing Aspire with the speed, transparency, and end-to-end payments control their customers expect from a partner,” said Samarth Bansal, APAC General Manager, Wise Platform.

The partnership marks another milestone in Aspire’s rapid growth in Hong Kong. Since launching in 2024, Aspire has recorded 3x growth, driven by startups and SMEs seeking a modern, connected alternative to traditional banking.

The new international payments feature is now live for all Aspire customers in Hong Kong.

About Aspire

Aspire is the all-in-one finance platform for modern businesses globally, which has helped over 50,000 companies save time and money with international payments, treasury, expense, payable, and receivable management solutions – accessible via a single, user-friendly account. Headquartered in Singapore, Aspire has 500+ employees across nine countries, clients in 30+ markets and is backed by global top tier VCs, including Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y-Combinator, Tencent and Paypal.

About Wise Platform

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Over the last decade, Wise has built an entirely new network for the world’s money.

Thanks to Wise Platform, banks and large companies can leverage Wise’s technology and embed the best way to send, receive, and manage money internationally into their existing infrastructure. With a wide variety of partners worldwide, Wise Platform saves banks and businesses time and money by allowing them to seamlessly bring fast, cheap, transparent and convenient cross-border payments to their customers.

Singapore’s MetaComp Raises US$22 Million Pre-A to Scale a Web2.5 Fiat/Stablecoin Hybrid Payment Network for Cross-Border Payments

SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MetaComp Pte. Ltd. (“MetaComp”), Singapore’s leading licensed stablecoin cross-border payments and treasury management service provider, today announced it has raised US$22 million in its Pre-A funding round. This is one of the largest Pre-A raises this year for a Singapore-licensed stablecoin payments provider, closing amid a highly selective funding landscape. The raise follows the November launch of StableX Network that comprises its upgraded VisionX risk-intelligence engine, marking MetaComp’s transition into scale-up mode as the region accelerates its shift towards regulated stablecoin settlement.

MetaComp raised USD 22 million in its Pre-A funding round
MetaComp raised USD 22 million in its Pre-A funding round

Dr. Bo Bai, Chairman and Co-Founder of MetaComp, said, “Asia is entering a new stage of digital finance where settlement infrastructure must meet the standards of global trade. StableX and VisionX give enterprises the speed of stablecoins with the safeguards of regulated finance. For us, this round goes beyond capital support. It is validation from top-tier investors that regulated stablecoin settlement will be one of Asia’s defining financial rails over the next decade.”

The round was backed by Eastern Bell Capital, Noah, Sky9 Capital, Freshwave Fund and Beingboom Capital, with 100Summit Partners as exclusive financial advisor. The investor mix reflects deep expertise in supply chain, fintech infrastructure and institutional wealth management across Asia, underscoring MetaComp’s strategic role in strengthening regional settlement infrastructure.

Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said, “With regulations around stablecoins gaining clarity, enterprises now have the clarity to modernise their settlement processes. Our volumes, now exceeding US$1 billion a month across more than 30 markets, show that businesses want real-time payments that combine speed with compliance. This funding allows us to scale StableX and VisionX across Southeast Asia and build the Web2.5 infrastructure that the region’s digital economy can depend on.”

A Web2.5 architecture that unifies SWIFT and stablecoin networks

MetaComp holds a Major Payment Institution licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Payment Services Act 2019. With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and brokerage services. Together with its parent company Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO), and through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a Web2.5 treasury management services to its payment clients in a secure and integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.

The StableX Engine, launched in May 2025, is MetaComp’s intelligent FX and liquidity engine designed for cross-border B2B flows. Supporting both traditional SWIFT rails and multiple stablecoin networks, the engine delivers 24/7 FX execution, optimal path routing and automated liquidity management. It currently supports more than 10 leading stablecoins including USDT, USDC, RLUSD, FDUSD, PYUSD and WUSD, with plans to expand to other globally liquid and compliant asset types.

The StableX Network builds on this foundation by providing a real-time cross-border settlement layer. Powered by the StableX Engine for FX and liquidity and the VisionX Engine for compliance, the network enables instant, transparent and cost-efficient settlement across fiat and stablecoin environments. VisionX Engine integrates multiple KYT databases, real-time monitoring and dynamic risk scoring, enhancing inter-institution collaboration through a shared intelligence layer. This Web2.5 framework brings together the assurance of regulated finance with the speed and reach of digital assets.

Investor Confidence and MetaComp’s 2026 Expansion Plans

These funds will accelerate the expansion of StableX Network, enabling local-fiat in, stablecoin rails across borders and local-fiat out. MetaComp will deepen its footprint across Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, where enterprises are demanding compliant, high-speed settlement infrastructure that can keep up with rising regional trade flows. The proceeds will also strengthen MetaComp’s core technology development and global market expansion, enhancing its service capabilities for enterprises operating across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

Noah commented that MetaComp’s integrated Web2.5 “Payments + Treasury Management” strategy, anchored in stablecoin cross-border payments and enhanced by digital asset custody, positions the company to achieve significant scale in B2B settlement scenarios across emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Supported by Singapore’s comprehensive MAS licencing regime and MetaComp’s solid access to institutional banking channels, Noah believes that the company is poised to become a global leader in Web2.5 financial solutions. Noah will leverage its strengths in global high-net-worth client services and treasury management, to collaborate closely with MetaComp on compliant digital asset and cross-border treasury solutions, delivering more secure and efficient payment capabilities for clients.

Ron Cao, Founder and Partner of Sky9 Capital, said, “Stablecoin payments are entering a structural growth phase, and MetaComp has secured an advantageous position. The team’s expertise across traditional finance and blockchain has translated into products with real commercial traction. We see MetaComp using payments as a foundation to scale into higher-value financial services and emerging as a next-generation leader in cross-border payment & treasury management infrastructure.”

Frank Li, Director of Beingboom Capital, echoed this sentiment, “MetaComp is building a critical layer of digital financial infrastructure that improves stability, efficiency and compliance in global settlement. Asia’s regulatory momentum provides a strong base for this growth, and we are confident the company will play a central role as digital finance continues to advance across the region.”

About MetaComp Pte. Ltd.

MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to- business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.

MetaComp’s latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.

To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg or follow us on Twitter @MetaCompHQ.

Empyrion Digital Unveils Johor’s Newest Large-scale Next-Generation Hyperscale Data Centre Campus

  • 200+MW hyperscale campus with five 40MW buildings
  • One of Johor’s rare, approved DC sites during the national moratorium
  • Earliest energisation from Sep 2026; first phase targeted RFS in Q4 2026

SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Empyrion Digital, a Singapore-headquartered next-generation data centre developer and operator, today announced regulatory approval for both the Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA) and Data Centre Task Force (DCTF) application for its first data centre campus in Malaysia. Located in Nusajaya within the SiLC Industrial Cluster of Johor, the project represents Empyrion Digital’s largest investment to date and its sixth data centre development across Asia.

The Johor Data Centre Campus (“MY1”) will be developed on a rare 34.9-acre site, making it one of the few projects in the country to secure both site approval and power allocation despite Malaysia’s national data centre moratorium. This strategic milestone underscores the importance of MY1 not only to Johor’s digital infrastructure roadmap but also to the region’s accelerating AI and cloud computing ecosystem.

Designed as a 200+MW next generation hyperscale campus, MY1 will comprise five 40MW buildings developed in phases to meet surging demand for high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The first phase is targeted to be Ready-for-Service (RFS) in Q4 2026.

Empyrion Digital has secured 145MW of initial power allocation from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), with earliest energisation targeted for September 2026, and scalability to support the full campus. TNB will supply a stable, high-capacity electricity feed for hyperscale workloads.

MY1 will incorporate state-of-the-art liquid and air-cooled technologies, targeting a PUE below 1.3 for liquid cooling and below 1.4 for air cooling. The campus will also have access to green energy through long-term PPAs, in line with Empyrion Digital’s commitment to efficient and responsible operations.

Strengthening Cross-Border Connectivity Between Johor and Singapore

Beyond hyperscale capacity, MY1 will play a critical regional role in enhancing cross-border digital connectivity between Johor and Singapore. Through Empyrion’s sister connectivity platform, SPTel under Seraya Partners’ AQX Digital Infrastructure, customers will gain future access to secure, diverse, and low-latency routes linking MY1 in Johor to Empyrion’s SG1 data centre in Singapore.

These routes will significantly improve network diversity, operational resilience, and digital sovereignty, enabling customers to deploy multi-site AI, hybrid cloud, and disaster recovery architectures across the two locations. MY1 will therefore serve not only as a key hyperscale hub but also as a strategic extension of Singapore’s digital ecosystem.

Ernest Lee, Acting CEO of SPTel, said:
“We see strong potential in collaborating with Empyrion to integrate resilient connectivity and edge cloud capabilities across Singapore and Johor. By combining SPTel’s secure, software-defined network with Empyrion’s data centre footprint, we aim to deliver faster, more flexible digital infrastructure solutions for customers in the region.”

Mark Fong, CEO of Empyrion Digital, said:
Malaysia has emerged as a key destination for hyperscale data centres, driven by strong digital transformation, favourable infrastructure, and government support. MY1 reflects Empyrion Digital’s continued ambition to expand our pan-Asian platform and meet our customers’ needs for scalable, green-by-design, and AI-ready infrastructure. Johor will be a cornerstone location in this strategy.”

Once completed, MY1 will join Empyrion Digital’s growing regional platform, which includes operational and development projects in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, and Bangkok, bringing the company’s total IT capacity across Asia to well over 200MW.

About Empyrion Digital
Empyrion Digital is a next-generation digital infrastructure platform committed to sustainable practices and operational excellence. Green-by-design, we develop and operate scalable, carrier-neutral data centres for hyperscale and enterprise customers across Asia.

Headquartered in Singapore, Empyrion Digital is a portfolio company of Seraya Partners, a leading Asia infrastructure fund with USD 2.2 billion of assets under management as of 30 Sep 2025.

For more information, visit www.empyriondigital.com