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SCG Drives ‘Regional Optimization,’ Positioning Vietnam as a Key Base for Production, Domestic Consumption and Global Exports; Highlights LSP and BMP to Strengthen ASEAN Growth Alongside Social and Environmental Sustainability


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 November 2025 – SCG is advancing its “Regional Optimization” strategy by positioning Vietnam as a key production base to support domestic consumption and exports to global markets. The company is showcasing the strengths of Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP), Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex, and Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), the country’s leading manufacturer of premium plastic pipes and fittings. Together, these businesses reinforce SCG’s growth in ASEAN while driving social and environmental sustainability.

thumbnail SCG Drives Regional Optimization

Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director – Vietnam at SCG and Executive Vice President of SCGC, said, “Regional Optimization is an integrated business strategy across ASEAN that leverages the collective strengths of each country, production bases, resources, and economic potential, to enhance efficiency and create advantages in cost, market reach, and sustainability. SCG is implementing this strategy across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar, where each country plays a vital role in strengthening SCG and its subsidiaries while supporting long-term sustainable growth.”

Vietnam: SCG’s Strategic Production Base and Market

Vietnam is a strategic country for SCG, supported by several key factors: a domestic market of more than 100 million people, rapid infrastructure development, competitive production costs, and government policies that promote investment and exports. In 2024, Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.1%, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching USD 476 billion and foreign direct investment totaling more than USD 38.2 billion.

Kulachet continued, “SCG and its 28 subsidiaries have invested more than USD 7 billion in Vietnam, representing 28% of SCG’s total assets. Our operations span chemicals, cement, building materials, packaging, and logistics nationwide, enabling fully integrated cost and supply chain management. SCG also leverages the combined strengths of Thailand and Vietnam to enhance the competitiveness of the Group through initiatives such as:

  • Transferring expertise in technology, safety standards, and plant management from Thailand to Vietnam;
  • Leveraging Vietnam’s position as an export base, supported by its extensive network of more than 60 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enabling the export of products such as PRIME GROUP’s glazed porcelain tiles and low-carbon cement to the United States;
  • Enhancing regional supply chain efficiency, particularly in the chemicals business, where production and marketing can be jointly optimized across the three crackers (ROC–MOC–LSP). This allows Thailand to focus on producing high value-added (HVA) products, while LSP focuses on meeting Vietnam’s large domestic demand and supplying global markets.”

Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP): Vietnam’s First Fully Integrated Petrochemical Complex

Kulachet said, “The petrochemical industry continues to face volatility and challenges due to global oversupply, while the world economy has yet to fully recover. Nevertheless, SCGC is continuing to advance and accelerate strategic adjustments to navigate these challenges by strengthening its competitiveness and leveraging key advantages. One of these advantages is SCGC’s diversified production base across three ASEAN countries, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with LSP as Vietnam’s first fully integrated petrochemical complex. LSP significantly enhances SCGC’s long-term competitiveness at both regional and global levels. With LSP’s flexible production technology, the plant can switch between naphtha and propane feedstock depending on market conditions (Flexible Feedstock). For example, with propane prices currently lower than naphtha, LSP has adjusted its production plan by increasing the proportion of propane feedstock to 70% to optimize costs and strengthen competitiveness.”

“In addition, LSP has also adopted advanced technologies and technical expertise transferred from Thailand to further enhance environmentally responsible operations. These include Vietnam’s first large-scale enclosure ground flare system for smokeless gas disposal, a high-efficiency wastewater treatment system, and technologies designed to reduce air emissions, reinforcing LSP’s ambition to become a model for environmentally sustainable plant operations.”

“As for the progress of the LSP Enhancement Project (LSPE), the project is progressing according to plan. Construction of two ethane storage tanks is currently underway, along with process modifications to accommodate ethane feedstock. Overall progress has exceeded 20%, and completion is expected by the end of 2027,” Kulachet added.

Binh Minh Plastics (BMP): Market Leader in Premium Plastic Pipes and Fittings Supporting Vietnam’s Growth

In addition to its petrochemical operations in Vietnam, another business that reinforces SCGC’s strengths is the plastic pipes and fittings segment under Binh Minh Plastics (BMP), a listed company on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE). BMP operates a nationwide distribution network of more than 2,500 stores across Vietnam.

Niwat Athiwattananont, Chief Executive Officer of BMP, said, “Vietnam is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, resulting in strong demand and significant growth opportunities in the construction materials sector. BMP specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of premium-grade plastic pipes and fittings for residential, industrial, infrastructure, and agricultural applications, including water supply systems, drainage, telecommunications, and construction.”

“Furthermore, BMP collaborates closely with Nawaplastic Industries (NPI) in Thailand to enhance plant management efficiency through automation and robotics, as well as through knowledge sharing and technology transfer. This collaboration supports the development of high value-added (HVA) innovations, particularly within BMP’s ‘green’ product portfolio, which has been certified with international environmental standards. These efforts elevate product quality to global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop additional product lines to meet emerging market needs and expand its distribution coverage across the ASEAN region,” Niwat added.

Commitment to ESG

Kulachet added, “SCG places strong emphasis on advancing ESG to drive Inclusive Green Growth in Vietnam by applying expertise from Thailand to enhance production processes and promote green technologies.

  • Environment: In recent years, SCG has invested more than USD 100 million in projects to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. The company also places strong emphasis on developing environmentally friendly products and services across all business units, such as Low Carbon Cement, to support the growing green transition in Vietnam and export markets.
  • Social: SCG has implemented programs that uplift community well-being, including the Sharing the Dream scholarship initiative, which has provided more than 6,000 scholarships nationwide over nearly 20 years, and the Loving Water for the Future project, which has helped install clean-water pipelines for more than 1,500 households in remote areas.
  • People: SCG is committed to developing more than 15,000 employees across Vietnam through SCG Academy and leadership-development programs such as the Management Enrichment Program, conducted in collaboration with Duke University, to build leaders equipped to navigate future challenges.”

“We firmly believe that Vietnam continues to hold strong growth potential, and we are proud to contribute to the country’s economic, social, and environmental development through the enduring partnership between Thailand and Vietnam. This collaboration will further strengthen the competitiveness of the ASEAN region as a whole. Our investments in LSP and BMP demonstrate SCG’s capability to operate effectively amid challenges and its long-term commitment to developing a competitive and sustainable industrial landscape,” Kulachet concluded.
Hashtag: #SCG

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

Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen” – a tribute to the English countryside

SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR, England, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Highgrove and the Cotswolds Distillery are proud to announce the release of Highgrove Evergreen English Whisky, a beautifully crafted single malt that celebrates nature, heritage and the enduring craftsmanship of English whisky making.

Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen”
Highgrove and Cotswolds Distillery unveil “Highgrove Evergreen”

Highgrove Evergreen is distilled from Plumage Archer barley, a traditional heritage variety grown on the Highgrove Estate. The whisky has been matured in a rare combination of Bourbon and STR red wine casks, creating an elegant balance of depth and complexity. The result is a rich, full-bodied spirit layered with notes of orchard fruit, honeyed malt and warm spice, lifted by subtle red berry sweetness from the red wine cask influence.

Each bottle of Highgrove Evergreen is presented in a beautiful gift box that features an illustration painted by King Charles III. *A View from the Wildflower Meadow* is reproduced from an original watercolour painted by His Majesty in 1995, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales. The scene depicts the beauty of Highgrove House and its iconic Wildflower Meadow, with the Cedar of Lebanon tree standing proudly in the background.

Daniel Szor, Founder of Cotswolds Distillery, said:

“When I first purchased Plumage Archer barley from the Highgrove Estate many years ago, I could never have imagined it would grow into a collaboration of this scale. To now craft a whisky that reflects our shared commitment to craftsmanship, provenance and respect for the land is a genuine honour. Highgrove Evergreen marks a remarkable milestone for our distillery and for the continued evolution of the English whisky category. We look forward to sharing this release with the proud British public, and eventually with international markets as well, particularly the United States as we set our sights on key regions for 2026.”

Highgrove’s profits from the sale of this whisky will support The King’s Foundation for its charitable delivery of education and training initiatives, some of which will take place at Highgrove.

Priced at £100 and bottled at 46% ABV, Highgrove Evergreen English Whisky will become a permanent addition to the Cotswolds Distillery portfolio, reflecting an ongoing collaboration between Highgrove and the Cotswolds Distillery.

Highgrove Evergreen will be available to pre-order online from the Cotswolds Distillery website and Highgrove Gardens website from 25 November. It will be available to purchase in store from the Cotswolds Distillery and Highgrove Gardens from 4 December 2025.

www.highgrovegardens.com
www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cotswolds_highgrove_evergreen.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cotswolds_distillery_logo.jpg

 

BANDAI SPIRITS to Merchandise the ONE PIECE × NBA Collaboration

The first figure in the series is a dunk figure of Luffy in an NBA uniform, scheduled for release in December 2025

HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Sakakibara Hiroshi, headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) is announcing a collaboration between the globally popular TV anime “ONE PIECE” and the NBA. The first commemorative product, ” ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY ” will be made available for purchase starting December im 5, 2025 at the ONE PIECE BASE SHOP (Shinjuku, Tokyo) . In Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, this collaboration will be available on the Bandai Namco Asia Official Online Store, “PREMIUM BANDAI ASIA” (https://p-bandai.com), and will also be sequentially available at NBA Official Stores (offline stores only) in these regions.


This collaboration is a special project that elevates the brand value of both properties by fusing two distinct cultures—animation and sports. BANDAI SPIRITS will channel the synergy generated by this partnership into a diverse product portfolio. By uniting the dream-driven battles, steadfast camaraderie, and intricately crafted universe of ONE PIECE with the NBA’s dynamic team play, unwavering passion, and relentless will to win, the project will create an entirely new level of appeal.

The first item in the lineup is the “ONE PIECE ×NBA MASTER STARS PIECE THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY,” a special-edition series that pairs ONE PIECE characters with NBA themes. The debut piece captures Luffy, clad in an NBA team uniform, at the very moment he soars in for a dunk—showcasing the overwhelming detail and impact that define BANDAI SPIRITS’ craftsmanship.

Established in 2018 to drive business growth in high-target markets worldwide, BANDAI SPIRITS will continue to deliver awe-inspiring experiences that exceed expectations through products imbued with true “SPIRITS”—soul.

ONE PIECE × NBA Collaboration Overview

The collaboration is built around the spirit of “ONE PIECE,” known for its themes of friendship, teamwork and the pursuit of dreams, resonating both with both anime and basketball fans worldwide.

Since its serialization began in 1997, ONE PIECE has surpassed 500 million copies in worldwide circulation and continues to captivate audiences through its long-running anime series on Fuji TV. Meanwhile, the NBA has established itself as a premier destination for sports and entertainment, with games broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Together, the brands will introduce products designed to appeal to diverse fan bases and new audiences alike.

The “ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY” series’ Pre-orders will be available in December 2025 in Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand on the Bandai Namco Asia Official Online Store, “PREMIUM BANDAI ASIA” (https://p-bandai.com). The lineup will subsequently expand to include plush toys, lifestyle goods, and more.

“ONE PIECE x NBA” collaboration product details


 

Product name

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY LOS ANGELES LAKERS

 

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY CHICAGO BULLS

 

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

 

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY BOSTON CELTICS

 

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY NEW YORK KNICKS

 

ONE PIECE ×NBA  MASTER STARS PIECE

THE MONKEY.D.LUFFY MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

 


 

Product name

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH CHICAGO BULLS

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH BOSTON CELTICS

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH NEW YORK KNICKS

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH LOS ANGELES LAKERS

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

ONE PIECE × NBA CHOPPER’s PLUSH MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

 


 

Product name

LUFFY’s ONE PIECE×NBA -Uniform Icon Edition-

In addition, a Release has been confirmed under the TAMASHII NATIONS brand’s S.H.Figuarts series. For further details, please visit https://tamashiiweb.com/special/jumpcs/onepiece/.


※The information in this press release is current as of November 21st, 2025 and may change without prior notice.

※Images included in the press release are for reference only and may differ from the actual items.

FUKU.AI Unveils Fiona: The AI Interviewer Built for High-Volume Hiring in Asian SMEs

SINGAPORE, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hiring at Asia’s fast-growing SMEs just got a turbo boost. FUKU.AI, the Singapore-headquartered startup building agentic recruitment tools for SMEs across Asia, today announced the general availability of Fiona, its friendly and professional AI interview co-worker that makes early-stage hiring faster, fairer, and more transparent.

Fiona - AI Interviewer by FUKU.AI
Fiona – AI Interviewer by FUKU.AI

Fiona conducts fully autonomous 10-minute video interviews using a friendly, life-like avatar. She asks straight-to-the-point questions, dynamically follows up, and then generates a transparent summary showing exactly where each candidate stands. Candidates receive a transcript, key strengths, and a clear explanation of how their responses were evaluated — giving them full control over their application journey. They can also apply directly to job postings, while Fiona autonomously reaches out to top matches.

“Fiona is obsessed with fairness and efficiency,” said Kevin Gao, CEO of FUKU.AI. “Every candidate gets the same structured experience, the same level of attention, and the same transparent evaluation. And it does all this with unmatched efficiency, turning days of screening into minutes.”

Designed for High-Volume SME Roles

Fiona is ideal for high-volume roles in SMEs – sales, engineers, back-office functions, and more. Integrated with ATS and HRIS platforms and powered by LLM orchestration, Fiona autonomously reaches out to candidates, screens them, and delivers clear, instantly digestible reports with precise recommendations: proceed, hold, or reject. This eliminates hours — or even days — of manual screening, reduces bias, and allows managers to focus on decision-making rather than first-round filtering.

“Asian SMEs need speed without sacrificing quality,” said Kai Yang, CTO of FUKU.AI. “Fiona gives busy hiring managers a warm, professional AI interviewer co-pilot that can reliably run thousands of interviews a day with consistent scoring, clear outcomes, and zero drop in fairness.”

Transparent and Empowering

FUKU.AI emphasizes that Fiona’s experience is fair, transparent, and consistent. From the first question, candidates know how they’re being assessed, and managers can trust that every decision is backed by clear, objective data.

Availability

Fiona is now available globally, with early traction building among SMEs across Southeast Asia.

Call to Action

Let Fiona meet your candidates.
Visit FUKU.AI/Fiona to get started.

About FUKU.AI

FUKU.AI builds agentic recruitment tools for SMEs across Asia, helping fast-growing companies modernize hiring with intelligence, transparency, and speed. Headquartered in Singapore, the company builds practical, high-impact AI tools that reach out to candidates, automate early-stage screening, reduce bias, and deliver consistent, transparent candidate experiences. Its mission is to make high-quality hiring accessible to every SME — not just enterprise HR teams. Visit https://www.fuku.ai for more information or contact Eddie Ler, Chief Strategy Officer at eddie@fuku.ai

Two Asian Agri Partner Cooperatives in Riau Sign Agreement on Smallholder Oil-Palm Replanting Programme

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 November 2025 – Two Village Unit Cooperatives (KUDs) partnering with Asian Agri have officially signed a Cooperation Agreement for the Smallholder Palm Oil Replanting Programme (PSR), in collaboration with the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) and participating banks as PSR fund distributors. The signing ceremony, held at Hotel Aryaduta in Jakarta, marks a strategic milestone in an effort to enhance the productivity of scheme smallholders through the replanting of aging palm oil plantations.

The two cooperatives receiving PSR funds on this occasion were KUD Sejahtera from Desa Makmur, Kerinci District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau, covering 179 hectares and consisting of 78 smallholders, and KUD Kebun Sawit Harapan from Desa Gabung Makmur, Kerinci Kanan District, Siak Regency, Riau, spanning 219 hectares with 95 smallholders.

During the event, Normansyah Hidayat Syahruddin, Director of Upstream Fund Distribution at BPDPKS, urged the chairpersons and board members of the cooperatives to manage the PSR funds responsibly and with integrity. “These funds must be utilised properly to improve the welfare of members and support the sustainability of farmers’ businesses,” he emphasised.

Replanting is more than merely replacing palm trees that have reached the end of their productive years. It is a key strategy to restore yields in aging plantations while ensuring stable income for smallholders. It also promotes land-use efficiency and supports agricultural intensification. With financial support from the PSR programme and continuous technical guidance, partner smallholders are expected to accelerate the replanting process and adopt more productive, sustainable cultivation practices that are both more productive and sustainable. In doing so, the programme delivers economic benefits while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the palm oil industry and the environment.

Hendra Saragih, Plasma Manager at Asian Agri, a member of the Royal Golden Eagle (RGE) group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, highlighted that financial support and technical support are essential to the success of the replanting programme. “Adequate funding and structured guidance ensure that replanting meets technical requirements and remains economically viable. We support smallholders from the financing stage through planting and even after loan repayment, so that the newly replanted estates can achieve optimal productivity and provide maintain stable income for the smallholders. This guidance also equips them to manage their plantations more productively and sustainably in the long run,” he said.

Agus Sumiran, Head of KUD Sejahtera, shared his optimism, saying, “This funding brings new hope for our farmers. With this support, we can rejuvenate our plantations and improve yields, ensuring the continued well-being of our members.”

Suryadi, Head of KUD Kebun Sawit Harapan, added, “We truly feel the strong support from this programme, even though challenges remain as we wait for the new trees to begin producing. The financial assistance and technical guidance have helped us better navigate this transition period.”

This programme aligns with Asian Agri’s 2030 sustainability targets, particularly under the smallholder partnership pillar. The company remains committed to encouraging all partner farmers to undertake replanting as a strategic effort to address declining productivity and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Hashtag: #RGE #AsianAgri #Palm #Palmoil #Smallholder #Sustainability

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

About Asian Agri

Founded in 1979, Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s foremost companies in crude palm oil production, managing over 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employing over 20,000 people.

As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Programme (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 scheme smallholders in Riau and Jambi, who collectively manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. The company also fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to enhance their welfare and drive socio-economic growth.

Committed to sustainable practices, Asian Agri upholds a zero-burning policy and implements plantation best management practices to help smallholders boost productivity, increase crop yields, and improve supply chain traceability while supporting their journey towards certification. Asian Agri’s mills leveraged advanced technology and self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Asian Agri’s plantations, as along with their scheme smallholder plantations, are full Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production.

Build4Asia 2026 Unites Construction, Facility Management and Workplace Innovations

HONG KONG, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Returning from 6 – 8 May at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Build4Asia 2026, organised by Informa Markets, is set to grow in scale and impact, expanding its scope to cover every stage of the building lifecycle from pre-development to operation and maintenance. Extending beyond construction and engineering, the show now spans dedicated sectors catering to diverse building types and operational demands, building a truly focused and inclusive hub for innovation.

Introducing New Sectors: Asian PropTech & Office Tech

To advance Hong Kong’s smart city vision, Build4Asia will launch two new dedicated sectors — Asian PropTech and Asian Office Tech. Aligned with evolving trends in AI, big data and sustainability, Asia PropTech encompasses a wide range of technologies and innovations that enhance and streamline various aspects of property management.

Asian Office Tech highlights cutting-edge workplace innovations, from office automation platforms to cybersecurity and communication tools that enhance productivity and employees’ well-being. Together the sectors connect building operations with human experience, turning physical structures into thoughtfully designed spaces that actively support property owners and users.

Strategic Collaboration with World Workplace Asia-Pacific 2026

Build4Asia is proud to announce its first-ever collaboration with World Workplace Asia-Pacific (WWP), organised by The Hong Kong Chapter of International Facility Management Association (IFMA). With strong presence across China, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia, WWP connects local developers, architects, engineers and tech innovators with international facility management leaders, driving regional collaboration and advancing Hong Kong’s facility management standards.

Themed ‘Transforming Facilities: Driving Sustainability, Resilience & Innovation in Asia Pacific‘, the 2-day conference will take place from 6 – 7 May 2026 to explore key topics such as energy efficiency, carbon neutrality, urban policy and digital maturity in facility management, offering actionable insights and practical case studies in a regional context. These learnings also support the wider construction sector, enabling smarter building designs and more efficient project delivery from planning to post-completion operations.

Build4Asia 2026: United for Stronger Impact

More connected, comprehensive and tech-driven than ever, this edition pushes the boundaries with new sectors and partnerships in prop tech, workplace innovations and facility management, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable urban environments. With property and facility management taking centre stage in 2026, the show reinforces its role in the construction value chain, creating synergy that empowers design, construction and ongoing building operations.

Alongside this exciting expansion, Build4Asia will continue to deliver the same trusted excellence across three flagship sectors — Elenex, Buildtex and Securitex, presenting cutting-edge solutions in electrical engineering & lighting, building materials & technology, as well as security, safety & fire protection. United under one vision, Build4Asia 2026 captures the full spirit of the building ecosystem, offering a platform that is truly driven by purpose and built for people.

About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Japan Festival Brings Culture, Color to Savannakhet University

Savannakhet University hosted the Japan Festival on 26 November (Photo: the Embassy of Japan in Laos)

Savannakhet University hosted the Japan Festival on 26 November, drawing students, faculty, and local residents to a celebration of language, culture, and student achievement.

Embodied Intelligence Pioneer Robotera Secures RMB 1 Billion in Series A+ Funding

BEIJING, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Robotera, a leading company in embodied intelligence, has secured nearly RMB 1 billion (approximately USD 140 million) in a Series A+ financing round completed on November 20, 2025. The round was led by Geely Capital, with strategic participation from BAIC Capital. The company also secured backing from multiple global industrial leaders, underscoring strong industry confidence in its embodied intelligence roadmap. The company’s strategic investor base also includes Alibaba Group and Haier Capital.

Robotera full-size humanoid robot
Robotera full-size humanoid robot

The new capital will accelerate the iteration of Robotera’s robots and enable the mass production and delivery of its full portfolio—from bipedal and wheeled humanoid robots to dexterous hands. The entry of Geely Capital and BAIC Capital is expected to unlock significant strategic synergies, particularly in industrial deployment, supply chain integration, and real-world application scenarios.

Founded in August 2023, Robotera is dedicated to building general-purpose robots powered by embodied intelligence—systems that learn, adapt, and act through continuous interaction with the physical world. The company currently operates three core product lines: full-size bipedal humanoid robots, full-size wheeled service robots, and dexterous hands. Robotera has already achieved large-scale commercial deployment, with nine of the world’s top 10 most valuable technology companies among its clients.

Robotera’s robotic platform is renowned for their high performance and real-world capabilities. Its full-size bipedal humanoid robot demonstrated its environmental adaptability with autonomous snow walking in January 2024 and its athletic performance with world-record jumps—1.47 m in long jump and 95.64 cm in high jump—at this year’s World Humanoid Robot Games.

The company’s dexterous hand XHAND 1 features a fully direct-drive architecture optimized for reinforcement learning in embodied intelligence research. Capable of manipulating over 100 distinct tools, XHAND 1 has become a standard platform in leading embodied intelligence laboratories worldwide, forming the basis of numerous peer-reviewed publications.