TAIPEI, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TAHO Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce the successful completion of the pivotal trial for TAH3311, the first anticoagulant oral dissolving film (ODF). This trial was conducted following detailed discussions and alignment with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), marking a major milestone in the advancement of this innovative product under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.
The trial enrolled 60 healthy volunteers to compare TAH3311 ODF with the Apixaban tablet (brand name Eliquis®) under the bioequivalence (BE) regulatory framework. Apixaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, is widely used for stroke prevention and treatment of thromboembolic conditions due to its lower dosage requirements and reduced gastrointestinal bleeding risk compared to other anticoagulants. TAH3311 addresses a significant unmet need in this market by offering the first ODF formulation, providing a water-free alternative that is especially beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties, including the elderly, stroke survivors, and children.
According to IQVIA, the global market for anticoagulants is rapidly expanding, with apixaban achieving U.S. sales of $22.1 billion in 2023, making it the leading small-molecule drug globally and the second best-selling drug overall.* This remarkable growth highlights a significant opportunity for TAH3311 to address existing clinical unmet needs while offering a unique differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape.
With the trial’s completion, TAHO Pharmaceuticals plans to prepare regulatory submissions in both the United States and Europe. Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing strategic collaborations with international partners to accelerate the global launch of TAH3311 and maximize its impact in key markets.
“The completion of this pivotal study is a significant step forward in TAHO’s mission to bring innovative Transepithelial Delivery System (TDS) drug delivery solutions to patients worldwide,” said Dr. Howard Lee, Chairman and CEO of TAHO Pharmaceuticals. “As the first ODF formulation in the anticoagulant space, TAH3311 has the potential to transform how these life-saving therapies are delivered, especially for patients who face difficulties with traditional tablet forms.”
Apixaban (co-developed by BMS and Pfizer under the brand name Eliquis®) is a direct factor Xa inhibitor and has been approved for clinical use in several thromboembolic disorders, including reduction of stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, thromboprophylaxis following hip or knee replacement surgery, the treatment of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and prevention of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. With notable safety advantages, it is the leading novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC). According to various industry reports, apixaban was the second-highest-selling drug globally in 2023.
About TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Founded in 2010, TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd. leverages its proprietary Transepithelial Delivery System (TDS) to overcome the limitations of existing drugs and develop innovative dosage forms for niche markets. The TDS platform combines advanced transdermal and transmucosal delivery technologies, enabling the development of unique dosage forms such as transdermal patches, ODF, and buccal films. TAHO’s diverse product portfolio spans a variety of therapeutic areas, including antithrombotic agents, opioid overdose antidotes, addiction treatments, pediatric ADHD, and chemotherapy-induced antiemetics. Among its notable achievements, TAH4411, an ODF for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, became the first product of its kind to receive regulatory approval and be commercialized in Japan.
Recognized for Advancing Growth Strategy & Technological Innovation
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2025 – Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announced that it has won Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Best Practices Company of the Year Award in the Southeast Asia smart building solutions industry, marking its third consecutive year of recognition. Frost & Sullivan’s Company of the Year Award, its top honor, recognizes Azbil for exemplifying visionary innovation, market-leading performance, and exceptional customer care. This accolade is based on an independent evaluation of two key criteria types: Visionary Innovation & Performance and Customer Impact. Azbil excels in many of the criteria in the smart building solutions space.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth strategy consulting firm, presents Azbil with this award for demonstrating excellence in growth strategy and implementation. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the company’s resulting leadership in customer value and market penetration.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
Previously, Azbil received these awards from Frost & Sullivan:
2022 and 2023 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Award, Smart Buildings Solutions
2020 and 2021 Southeast Asia Customer Value Leadership Award, Building Automation Systems
Azbil was commended for its commitment to exceeding customer expectations, solidifying its leadership in enhancing building safety, comfort, and energy optimization through advanced automation technology. The company’s expansion strategy is focused on three growth fields —new automation, environment and energy, and life cycle solutions—which enables it to address global challenges and create long-term value. Azbil’s innovative use of AI, IoT, and cloud systems in smart building solutions, coupled with its strong focus on R&D and strategic collaborations, continues to drive innovation.
“Azbil’s success as a pioneer in the smart building solutions industry stems from its ability to adapt to global challenges, leverage its deep expertise in automation, and focus on delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions. By continuously evolving its business model and addressing the needs of a changing world, Azbil remains at the forefront of the industry,” said Mr. Anirudh Bhaskaran, Industry Principal, Energy & Environment, Frost & Sullivan.
“We are honored to receive the esteemed award from Frost & Sullivan. This achievement is a testament to Azbil’s commitment to addressing evolving challenges and opportunities with visionary strategies, smart building automation technologies, and industry-leading best practices to deliver excellence across the value chain. We share this achievement with our employees, customers, and partners, whose collective efforts drive our success. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in advancing industry growth and strengthening our position as a global top value creator for innovative, human-centered solutions,” said Mr. Kazuyasu Hamada, Managing Corporate Executive and President of Building Systems Company, Azbil Corporation.
Guided by the Group philosophy of “human-centered automation,” Azbil continues to provide products and solutions that contribute “in series” to creating a sustainable society.
Hashtag: #azbil
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Azbil Corporation
Azbil Corporation formerly known as Yamatake Corporation, is a leading company in building and industrial automation, using its measurement and control technologies to provide customers with high value-added solutions to make their operations more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 1906, Azbil serves customers across the globe in a broad range of industries and aims to contribute to people’s safety, comfort, and fulfilment, and global environmental preservation. At the end of March 2024, Azbil employed about 10,000 people worldwide and generated ¥290.9 billion in revenue.
Azbil’s initiatives reinforce its commitment to exceeding customer expectations, solidifying its reputation as a leader in automation technology and positioning it for continued success and innovation.
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan recently assessed the smart building solutions industry and based on its findings, recognizes Azbil Corporation with the 2024 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Award. Azbil plays a pivotal role in delivering automation and smart building technologies tailored to the unique demands of the region. Its building management solutions (BMS) optimize building operations, enhance maintenance efficiency, and improve overall performance while reducing carbon footprints and boosting productivity, transforming buildings into intelligent, interconnected systems. The company’s advanced automation technologies address the growing emphasis on safety, sustainability, and remote access, improving indoor air quality, operational efficiency, and building safety. Azbil’s comprehensive product portfolio, including sensors, control systems, and software solutions, forms the foundation of its competitive edge. By offering integrated, end-to-end solutions, Azbil serves as a one-stop provider for smart building management.
Azbil
Azbil also focuses on green transformation (GX) in response to the urgency of climate change. The company’s enhanced products and services help clients reduce their carbon footprints and achieve carbon neutrality, and its collaborations with partners enable it to offer comprehensive energy solutions that integrate renewable energy sources and provide retrofitting solutions for existing infrastructure. Azbil’s deep know-how in automation allows it to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient solutions that improve productivity significantly and optimize resource use in various sectors, including buildings and factories.
Azbil is also constantly leveraging technologies into smart building solutions to enhance efficiency and operational performance. Its integration of cloud and digital technologies, technical expertise, and a customer-centric design philosophy distinguish it further from competitors. Its holistic approach—from concept to design, installation, and maintenance—enables Azbil to provide tailored solutions that meet specific client needs and support long-term sustainability.
Anirudh Bhaskaran, energy and environment industry principal at Frost & Sullivan, observed, “Azbil’s success as a pioneer in the smart building solutions industry stems from its ability to adapt to global challenges, leverage its deep expertise in automation, and focus on delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions. By continuously evolving its business model and addressing the needs of a changing world, Azbil remains at the forefront of the industry.”
With over a century of expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, Azbil’s deep knowledge and historical advantage strongly position it in building automation markets, especially in Asia. This blend of long-standing expertise and advanced technology solidifies the company’s reputation as a trusted smart building management partner. Azbil’s dedication to research and development (R&D) is a cornerstone of its innovation and growth strategy and its global R&D initiatives establish it as a key player shaping the future of smart building management, ensuring long-term growth. The company’s innovative solutions and global R&D initiatives establish it as a key player in shaping the future of smart building management, ensuring long-term growth and industry impact.
“Azbil’s comprehensive growth strategies position it for sustained growth and innovation, reinforcing its leadership in the smart building solutions market while adapting to evolving market conditions and technological advancements. The company is strategically expanding its footprint across Asia, including key markets such as India, China, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia,” added Norazah Bachok, best practices research analyst at Frost & Sullivan. With its record financial performance and strong overall performance, Azbil earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Southeast Asia Company of the Year Award in the smart building solutions industry.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Frost & Sullivan
For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact us: Start the discussion.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2025 – Sandbox VR, the world’s premier destination for premium location-based virtual reality experiences, expects continued robust growth in its global franchise program in the coming years. To accelerate its growth in North America and Europe, the company has recently raised a US$6.8 million convertible note led by funds managed by Gobi Partners, who has supported the company in multiple rounds of financing.
With over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
The company topped 1.4 million tickets sold in 2024. An average Sandbox VR location in the US achieved US$1.7 million in annual revenue.
With a predominant presence in the US and Western Europe, Sandbox VR has grown the number of lifetime franchise operators 3x in 2024 alone, from 8 to 25 total operators. With this momentum, the company plans to operate 200 locations before the end of 2027.
Other notable investors in this round include Abacus Ventures Growth Fund, which has invested over US $1 million, and Hyphen Capital.
Robust Expansion Through Franchise Program
With over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
Sandbox VR’s franchise program launched in 2019 for international markets and opened up for the US territories since April 2024. Franchising has been instrumental in making Sandbox VR the fastest-growing location-based VR startup globally, and this momentum signals continued rapid growth, the company said. Its first franchise opened in Singapore in 2019.
“We are passionate about creating the future of entertainment and giving people the opportunity to step into a whole new reality. After opening corporate-owned locations and seeing millions of players gear up to enter our immersive virtual reality experiences, work together toward a common goal, and create connections while being active and having fun, we were excited to expand our presence further,” said Steve Zhao, Founder and CEO of Sandbox VR.
“We knew franchising was a key component of scaling and that it was critical that we work with the right partners, operators who share our passion and believe in our vision. Today, we are thrilled to be working with esteemed franchise partners across the globe and look forward to collaborating with additional partners as our franchise program continues to flourish.”
Chibo Tang, Managing Partner at Gobi Partners, expressed confidence in Sandbox VR’s trajectory, “As a serial backer of Sandbox VR, we have witnessed the company’s remarkable evolution from pioneering immersive entertainment to becoming a global leader in location-based virtual reality. Their focus on global expansion, franchise scalability, proprietary VR technology, and innovative IP development sets them apart in the industry. We are proud to lead this latest round of funding and continue supporting Sandbox VR in its mission to redefine entertainment and create unparalleled experiences for players worldwide.”
Franchise Partners Remain Key to Success with Growth Opportunity in Asia
Asia remains a key market for Sandbox VR, with its strong corporate presence in Hong Kong and Singapore, and corporate-owned locations in Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai.
Apparel Group, a global fashion and lifestyle conglomerate in the Middle East, partnered with Sandbox VR to bring virtual reality innovation to the region. Apparel Group has over 85 brands and over 2,200 stores across 14 countries. This collaboration will begin with 25 locations in the Middle East.
Sandbox VR’s UK and Ireland franchise partners, VR Entertainment Group, is proof of the strength of the Sandbox VR franchise program.They have launched three UK locations, two in London and one in Birmingham, and plan to open additional locations across the UK and Ireland. In London alone, VR Entertainment Group has seen a 16.8% increase in guests year-to-date and projects their 2024 revenue to top $5 million.
Sandbox VR is working with two franchise partners in Germany, NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH and Royal Casino DGS GmbH. The former signed an agreement to open three locations in 2022. The success of their first locations led NextLevel Erlebnisse GmbH to expand their agreement in 2023 to 12 locations across West Germany by mid-2026. Franchise partner Royal Casino DGS GmbH executed an ambitious 12-unit deal to open locations across Northern and Eastern Germany by the end of 2026 after reading an article about Sandbox VR. Their first two locations, in Hamburg and Berlin, opened in 2024. With six locations currently open and many more to come, Germany is Sandbox VR’s largest international market.
What Sandbox VR is offering
Sandbox VR is creating the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and experiences using proprietary, patented technology that combines full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics to provide unprecedented realism and complete immersion that’s not possible with home VR or other location-based VR platforms.
As of January 2025, Sandbox VR offers nine exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. They are all developed by in-house AAA gaming studios in Hong Kong and Vancouver, led by game industry veterans and are specifically designed for groups to play as social experiences. Teams of up to six freely roam and explore virtual worlds together while relying on each other to succeed and to experience being the stars of their own action movie.
The list of Sandbox VR immersive entertainment experiences
The newest Sandbox VR experience and second partnership with Netflix, Rebel Moon: The Descent allows you to enter the thrilling sci-fi franchise that’s taken the world by storm.
The latest installment of VR’s most iconic zombie series, Deadwood PHOBIA takes players into a derelict medical facility crawling with unprecedented, mind-bending horrors.
Compete against your crew in several pulse-pounding (yet more approachable, but just as thrilling) mini-games inspired by the #1 Netflix series. Play again and again to experience and master all-new games and challenges.
Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire – Images available HERE
Journey through a world of fantasy and explore a ruined fortress, an underground river, a haunted tomb and the dragon’s tower as you become Seekers of the Shard.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Sandbox VR
Sandbox VR is the world’s premier destination for premium, location-based virtual reality games. The company has created the world’s most immersive full-body VR platform and boasts exclusive games, including original and branded experiences, such as Squid Game Virtuals, created in collaboration with Netflix. Now operating in 54 locations and attracting over 100k players monthly, Sandbox VR is rapidly growing its global footprint with thriving corporate-owned locations and a robust franchising program.
The company has been recognised as one of Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies and is the 129th fastest-growing company in America on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco, California with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over US$60 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners, and Craft. Individual investors include Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Kevin Durant and Will Smith.
About Gobi Partners
Gobi Partners is an Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages and focuses on emerging and underserved markets.
Founded in 2002, Gobi has raised 21 funds and invested in over 380 startups, with 62 operating in the Circular Economy. Gobi has grown to 15 locations across key markets in Bangkok, Beijing, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tianjin.
As a Participant in the United Nations Global Compact, Gobi Partners is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption principles to ensure long-term value creation and sustainability across its portfolio. The firm launched its third Sustainability Report in June 2024.
For more information about Gobi Partners, please visit https://gobi.vc
The study underscores Akkodis’ integration of AI across its sustainability solutions and the incorporation of diversity and inclusion into its business model as key differentiators.
ZURICH, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akkodis, a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader, is delighted to announce that it has been named an ‘Enterprise Innovator’ in a report by HFS Research, a leading global research and analyst firm. The report titled, “HFS Horizons: Sustainability Services, 2024” examined 25 service providers across value propositions, innovation capabilities, GTM strategies, and market impact criteria.
Akkodis Named ‘Enterprise Innovator’ in HFS Horizons Sustainability Services, 2024 Report
After an analysis of service capabilities including advisory, frameworks, tools, and solutions as well as services through various delivery models, Akkodis was designated as Horizon 2 – “Enterprise Innovator”. Enterprise Innovators are not only recognized for delivering functional (primarily compliance based) transformation but also enterprise transformation, driving distinct sustainability services that link sustainability to all parts of an organization.
The report highlights market trends where emerging technologies are helping companies enhance data management, streamline ESG reporting, and implement net-zero strategies. It underscores Akkodis’ comprehensive sustainability offerings, which integrate technologies such as AI, GenAI, IoT, and blockchain, positioning these as key differentiators. The report also emphasizes the company’s strong focus on circular economy principles and extended producer responsibility, including resource reuse, recycling, and designing products for disassembly and longevity. Additionally, it notes how Akkodis has embedded diversity and inclusion into its business model, particularly in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and the gig economy.
The study also acknowledges Akkodis’ growth in sustainability services across industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing and financial services, its expansion of partnerships with firms such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and Siemens as well as its ability to offer tailored sustainability solutions, increasing its impact and expertise in this space.
Jan Gupta, President, Akkodis said, “This ranking reflects Akkodis’ expertise and advisory-led approach to sustainability. Our sustainability offerings deliver key outcomes, such as reduced lifecycle emissions, improved resource efficiency, CO2 tracking, and better regulatory compliance. He continued, “At Akkodis, we believe ‘Tech for Good’ is essential, and that the Smart Industry transformation must be a driver of sustainable transformation. Smart Industry can serve as a powerful change agent, bridging the digital divide and fostering a more inclusive world. Our clients trust us to innovate with purpose, helping them make a positive impact on both the planet and society.”
Josh Matthews, Practice Leader for Sustainability, HFS Research, said, “Akkodis is carving a path for technology-driven sustainability. It embeds circular economy principles with data-driven strategies and a blueprint of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT into the product lifecycle.” Nandini Tare, Associate Practice Leader, HFS Research, added: “Akkodis optimizes and integrates sustainability in every phase of the value chain across industries. This allows the company to empower enterprises and industries to have a scalable impact on their ESG commitments.”
Akkodis is a global digital engineering company and Smart Industry leader. We enable clients to advance in their digital transformation with Consulting, Solutions, Talent, and Academy services. Headquartered in Switzerland and part of the Adecco Group, Akkodis is a trusted tech partner to the world’s industries. We co-create and pioneer solutions that help to solve major challenges, from accelerating the clean energy transition and green mobility, to improving user and patient centricity. Empowered by a culture of inclusion and diversity, our 50,000 tech experts across 30 countries combine best-in-class technologies and cross industry knowledge to drive purposeful innovation for a more sustainable tomorrow. We are passionate about Engineering a Smarter Future Together. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| X
About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power the Smart Industry transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.com
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aonic, a leading service provider and drone manufacturer, proudly announces the successful certification of the Unmanned Aerial Work Certificate (UAWC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). This significant milestone underscores Aonic’s commitment to regulatory compliance, safety, and operational excellence in the agricultural unmanned aircraft system (UAS) sector.
The Aonic Team, alongside the CAAM team, united in dedication to advancing safe and sustainable drone operations during the UAWC Presentation Ceremony.
CAAM’s Role in Regulating Malaysia’s Drone Industry
YBhg. Dato’ Captain Norazman bin Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of CAAM, remarked: “With over 190,000 drones registered in 2024, it is both an exciting and critical time for the drone industry. The issuance of the Unmanned Aerial Work Certificate (UAWC) demonstrates the balance we’ve achieved between fast-paced industry growth and regulatory compliance. CAAM will ensure that this rapidly developing sector remains sustainable and safe. This milestone is not just a proud achievement but a historic moment for advancing the safety and professionalism of drone operations in Malaysia.”
As the landscape of drone technology continues to evolve, the CAAM plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of Malaysia’s airspace by setting stringent safety standards for drone operations. Under the Civil Aviation Directive (CAD) 6011 Part II, all agricultural UAS operations are governed to maintain public safety and operational integrity.
Aonic has met the rigorous requirements outlined in CAD 6011 Part II to obtain its UAWC, which is mandatory for commercial organizations engaged in agricultural activities such as drone spraying. This certification not only safeguards Aonic’s operations but also positions the company as a trusted partner for its clients.
Commitment to Safety and Quality
Cheong Jin Xi, CEO of Aonic, expressed his excitement: “We are excited to receive the UAWC from CAAM. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing reliable drone services that prioritize safety and quality. We look forward to expanding our offerings and continuing to support plantations and farmers across Malaysia.” Aonic extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, clients, and especially the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for their unwavering support throughout this process.
The UAWC mandates adherence to strict aviation safety guidelines, significantly reducing risks associated with drone operations and ensuring the safety of people, property, and the environment. With the UAWC, Aonic aims to lead its customers toward achieving necessary safety standards. To date, Aonic has upskilled over 4,680 people with the latest drone technologies, provided more than 3 million USD in flexible agriculture drone equipment financing to smallholder farmers, enhancing their operational capabilities and livelihood. Internally, Aonic has also achieved a proven track record of over 100,000 successful unmanned aircraft flight missions in various projects, driving innovation in the industry.
Aonic is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in Agricultural UAS operations, prioritizing quality and safety across various industries such as public safety, AEC & Surveying, Electricity, Oil & Gas and Agriculture. Obtaining the UAWC has also facilitated Aonic’s ability to scale operations safely and effectively, paving the way for future growth in the drone industry.
Join Us in Transforming Agricultural Operations
Aonic invites businesses and individuals interested in leveraging drone technology for agricultural operations to learn more about its end-to-end solutions. Visit www.aonic.com to explore how Aonic can help transform your operations.
About Aonic
Aonic is a leading provider of drone-based solutions, specialising in delivering comprehensive, end-to-end services across six integrated verticals. Built on a foundation of expertise in drone technology, Aonic’s expanded verticals offer customised, innovative solutions designed to meet the unique needs of enterprises and end users.
Non-aligned nations fast emerging as vital intermediaries in mitigating trade risks, filling gaps created by global conflicts
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Three quarters of businesses worldwide are overhauling their supply chains by working with more rather than fewer suppliers to mitigate risks in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
Research unveiled by Economist Impact and DP World at the World Economic Forum highlights this strategic pivot, driven by geopolitical uncertainty which is likely to grow with the ‘America first’ policies of the new administration in the United States.
The fifth annual Trade in Transition study surveyed over 3,500 supply chain executives across the world. The findings reveal firms are being forced to adapt at speed to rising protectionism and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Countries perceived to be non-aligned, such as Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UAE or Brazil, are emerging as vital trade hubs. A significant 71% of executives agree these countries mitigate trade risks, while 69% view them as critical for addressing gaps created by global conflicts.
Around 40% of firms are increasing their US-based sourcing and a further 32% are adopting dual supply chains to mitigate against geopolitical risks. Friendshoring—relocating supply chains to politically aligned countries—complements these strategies, with about 34% of businesses pursuing this approach to navigate tensions between global powers.
Economic challenges remain a priority, with 33% of executives citing prolonged inflation and high interest rates as chief concerns. By leveraging neutral hubs, diversifying suppliers and adopting advanced technologies like AI, businesses are better positioned to navigate this era of economic and geopolitical complexity.
Speaking at the launch of the report at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said:
“Global trade today is more complex than ever, demanding agility, resilience, and innovation. At DP World, we empower businesses with the global infrastructure, local expertise, and advanced technology needed to thrive in this evolving landscape across fragmented markets. The latest research by Economist Impact provides invaluable insights into the future of trade in this new era. With it, we aim to foster dialogue, innovation, and resilience within the global supply chain ecosystem, empowering businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.”
John Ferguson, Global Lead, New Globalisation, Economist Impact, added:
“In 2025 and the foreseeable future, global trade will be shaped by three forces: shifting geopolitics, climate change, and a new wave of AI and automation. Yet, businesses are not retreating from international trade but are stepping up to the challenge. Firms that stay agile and cost-efficient will have the edge. Firms that also combine risk management with AI experimentation and openness will be best placed to win in this new chapter of globalisation.”
Discover actionable insights and detailed strategies for thriving in the evolving global trade landscape. Click here to view the full report.
KEY INSIGHTS FROM TRADE IN TRANSITION 2025
Metric
Percentage
Notes
Businesses diversifying supplier bases
75 %
Spreading risk and increasing resilience by
working with more partners
Neutral hubs as stability anchors
71 %
Examples of Vietnam, Mexico, India, UAE, and
Brazil
Neutral countries filling trade conflict gaps
69 %
Cited as critical for mitigating geopolitical risks
DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.
AstraZeneca’s Sydney manufacturing operation boosted by clean energy, supporting global carbon-neutral goals
SYDNEY, Jan. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage, has partnered with Smart Commercial Solar to deliver an advanced solar panel installation for AstraZeneca’s new major rooftop car park at its Macquarie Park manufacturing complex.
AstraZeneca’s Carport Installation in Macquarie Park, Sydney Credit: Smart Commercial Solar
The project, a bold and impactful initiative, provides significant energy savings by utilising a relatively new innovation in commercial renewable energy – solar car shades.
The Macquarie Park development features 1,092 Trinasolar modules, generating approximately 911 MWh annually and enabling solar energy to meet 16% of the site’s energy needs. Completed in just six months, the car shade project supports AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon program and integrates four electric vehicle charging stations for staff and visitors, further showcasing AstraZeneca’s commitment to clean energy innovation.
Anastasi Kotoros, Project Lead from EPC, Smart Commercial Solar, highlighted the importance of choosing the right hardware for commercial installs:
“With a focus on functional design and efficiency, Trinasolar’s bifacial modules allow sunlight to pass through and increase yield from reflected rays. Trinasolar’s hardware was a natural choice for this installation. With the cutting-edge, modern glass panelling enabled us to create a practical, user-friendly solar car park that perfectly complements AstraZeneca’s sustainability goals.”
Edison Zhou, Group Director of Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan, Trinasolar Asia Pacific, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and acknowledged the expertise of the Smart Commercial team as a key to the project’s success:
“It’s always exciting to see large-scale rooftop car park installations come to life, especially when they deliver on both exceptional performance and sleek aesthetics. This installation not only provides much-needed shade in the hotter months but also contributes to AstraZeneca’s ambitious sustainability targets. The collaboration with Smart Commercial Solar has resulted in a high-quality, visually impressive system that will deliver meaningful energy savings for AstraZeneca for years to come.”
The project’s benefits go beyond energy savings. On a global scale, AstraZeneca aims to reduce its scope one and two energy emissions by 98% by the end of 2025. The Macquarie Park carpark installation is a tangible step towards achieving this target. Additionally, by powering four EV chargers, the project supports AstraZeneca’s transition to electric vehicles, offering real savings to our both employees and visitors alike.
The collaboration exemplifies Trinasolar and Smart Commercial Solar’s shared commitment to driving renewable energy adoption in Australia. By combining Trinasolar’s high-efficiency solar technology and on-ground support with Smart Commercial Solar’s design and installation expertise, the project sets a gold standard for rooftop solar installations, an increasingly popular solution for organisations striving to meet their sustainability goals.