36.1 C
Vientiane
Friday, April 25, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 2

Hang Lung’s 65th Anniversary Celebrations Arrive at Shanghai Grand Gateway 66 and Plaza 66 Debut of “ButterBear” & Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-up

Fuel double-digit growth in foot traffic and sale


HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 April 2025 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) launched the second wave of its 65th anniversary celebrations in Shanghai. This wave, developed in partnership with globally popular IP “ButterBear” for Grand Gateway 66 and renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for Plaza 66, featured innovative cultural and immersive retail experiences that are proving popular with shoppers across the city.

Debut of international IP “ButterBear” at Grand Gateway 66
Debut of international IP “ButterBear” at Grand Gateway 66

Global premiere of Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience with the theme “Full Bloom”
Global premiere of Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience with the theme “Full Bloom”

The celebrations have driven significant growth in foot traffic and sales at Shanghai’s Grand Gateway 66 and Plaza 66, further enhancing the vibrancy of Xujiahui and Jing’an districts. Hang Lung continues its leadership of the “66” brand as the “Pulse of the City” by bringing unforgettable retail and cultural experiences to the heart of the city.

Cultural Tourism as a Commercial Growth Driver
Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties, said, “For our 65th anniversary celebrations, the ’66’ brand has partnered with global powerhouses in art and culture to bring people truly unique and immersive retail experiences. These efforts also support the government’s strategy to integrate culture, commerce, and tourism as part of its goal to build top-tier international consumption center cities.” He added, “The celebrations feature thoughtfully curated, distinctive experiences that appeal to customers of all ages, which we believe will broaden our reach and boost the community’s retail scene. Notably, both Shanghai projects offer an instant tax refund service, a great new experience for international shoppers, tapping into the trend of consumption upgrade, and fueling the city’s commercial vibrancy.”

“ButterBear” Makes Shanghai Debut with Gen Z as Core Customers
From April 19 to May 20, Grand Gateway 66 in Shanghai is presenting an interactive showcase featuring “ButterBear” in various styles. Multiple photogenic scenes imbued with “dopamine aesthetics” were a hit with younger Gen Z customers, including installations such as the “Super Star Support Van,” “Fashion Show Stage,” “Celebrity Lounge,” and “Idol Practice Room”. During the launch weekend of the event, Grand Gateway 66 recorded a foot traffic increase of more than 30% and sales growth by 36% on a week-on-week basis. Members of HOUSE 66, our customer relationship management program, contributed significant sales, which rose 40% from the previous weekend.

Grand Gateway 66 also released popular “ButterBear” limited-edition merchandise with distinctive Shanghai characteristics, such as the “White Magnolia Pendant” and “Spotted Pendant”. As the event concludes, the mall will gather 65 different styles of “ButterBear” to commemorate Hang Lung’s 65th anniversary.

Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Global Premiere – Perfect Integration of Art and Commerce
From April 22 to 28, the highly anticipated global premiere of renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Immersive Garden Experience takes place in Plaza 66. With the theme “Full Bloom,” Plaza 66 is transformed into a dazzling flower field, combining Murakami’s iconic sunflower symbols with cherry blossom trees. The location also features a limited-time coffee experience zone, and consumers may receive exclusive branded tote bags as souvenirs.

From April to May, over 100 international brands within the mall will curate various events and interactive installations, offering guests exclusive encounters and limited-edition merchandise. This includes Asia’s first garden-themed pop-up store by the French luxury brand Goyard, lasting from May 1 to 11, which will bring a refined, spring-inspired touch of luxury to shoppers.

Enthusiastic crowds of fashionistas and art lovers flocked to the Murakami pop-up on its opening day, driving a 30% increase in foot traffic compared to normal days. This highlights the global appeal of Murakami’s artistic works and strengthens Plaza 66’s position as Shanghai’s top lifestyle landmark.

Hang Lung’s 65th anniversary celebration extends beyond Shanghai with multiple exciting events planned nationwide. The “Wiggle We Go” tour, launched in early April as the first signature event and now making its way across mainland China in six cities, showcases immersive installations and limited-time offerings that bring global pop culture to local customers – reinforcing Hang Lung’s leadership in shaping retail and new lifestyle experiences.

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

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

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.

At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.

For more information, please visit .

Suit Up for Battle in KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME – Global Pre-Registration Starts April 25

Kickoff Trailer and Gameplay Details Revealed

LOS ANGELES, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The hit manga-turned-anime phenomenon Kaiju No. 8 is expanding its universe with KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME, a brand-new Kaiju-Slaying Battle RPG for smartphone and PC. Co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO and Production I.G., the game immerses players in the explosive world of Naoya Matsumoto’s best-selling series. The global pre-registration is now live (excluding Mainland China), alongside the release of the full trailer and key game details.

© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA | © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA | © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G

With over 18 million copies in circulation in Japan and a worldwide fanbase, Kaiju No. 8 is one of the most acclaimed series in recent years. The upcoming game brings its massive scale and intensity to life, letting players experience exhilarating attacks with intuitive controls as they battle towering Kaiju in fast-paced, cinematic combat that stays true to the heart-pounding action of the original story.

Offering a fresh spin on turn-based combat, KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME lets players crush colossal Kaiju with a game-changing blow in this Kaiju-Slaying Battle RPG. The game pairs accessible gameplay with high-impact visuals, cinematic Ultimate Moves, and high-fidelity models of titanic Kaiju that bring the world of Kaiju No. 8 vividly to life. In addition to exploring Kafka Hibino’s story, the game features an all-new original storyline, expanding the lore and deepening the universe for fans.

Kickoff Trailer and Special Broadcast Now Streaming

The Kaiju No. 8 Anime x Game Special Broadcast premiered today with the first full trailer and gameplay details. The broadcast spotlighted iconic characters from the elite Defense Force: Kafka Hibino, Mina Ashiro, Reno Ichikawa, Kikoru Shinomiya and Soshiro Hoshina, teaming up to protect Japan from calamitous Kaiju.

Pre-Register Now for Exclusive In-Game Rewards

KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME is now open for pre-registration on the App Store, Google Play and Steam. Upon reaching each pre-registration milestone, players will be presented with exclusive in-game rewards such as a Playable Character★4 [Aiming for Greater Heights] Mina Ashiro, after the official launch. Don’t miss your chance to stand against the Kaiju — join the fight today.

Game Overview

  • Title: KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME
  • Platforms: iOS App Store / Google Play / Steam®
  • Price: Free-to-play (in-game purchases available)
  • Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, French
  • Planning & Production: Akatsuki Games Inc. / TOHO CO., LTD. / Production I.G
  • Development & Operation: Akatsuki Games Inc.
  • Publisher: Akatsuki Games Inc.
  • Publicity Cooperation: TOHO CO., LTD., Production I.G
  • Copyright:
    © JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
    © Akatsuki Games Inc./TOHO CO., LTD./Production I.G
  • Official Website: https://kj8-thegame.com
  • X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/kj8_TheGame_EN
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kj8-TheGame-EN

About Kaiju No. 8

Based on the popular manga series by Naoya Matsumoto, currently serialized on Shonen Jump+ (published by Shueisha) since 2020, the anime Kaiju No. 8 tells the story of the Japan Defense Force, an elite unit tasked with protecting civilians by eliminating the monstrous Kaiju that threaten daily life. The original manga has surpassed 18 million copies in circulation in Japan, with over 700 million total views on Shonen Jump+ as of April 2025.

The anime, which aired from April to June 2024, achieved tremendous popularity—ranking No. 1 on daily streaming charts across major platforms in Japan. A compilation of Anime Kaiju No. 8 Season 1 was released in theaters alongside the special feature Hoshina’s Day Off on March 28, 2025. The highly anticipated Season 2 is officially slated to air in July 2025.

Official Anime Website: https://kaiju-no8.net/
Official Anime X: https://twitter.com/KaijuNo8_O

About Akatsuki Games Inc.
It is our mission to connect the emotions of people around the world by putting our beliefs and “why” into games. We challenge ourselves to create global hits as a world-class game company with the highest standards of development and operation in Japan.
In addition to the experience of operating games such as Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle (published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.) and Romancing SaGa Re; Universe (published by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.), we are taking on the challenges of using high-end 3D graphics display and development on multiple devices. We will deliver the highest quality games for everyone around the world to enjoy.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/akatsuki_games.jpg

How Deer Hunters Are Rewriting the Rules of Twilight with HIKMICRO HABROK 4K?

HANGZHOU, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Twilight is the prime time for hunting, but dusk creates the most challenging conditions for traditional optics that struggle to see in the fading light. Using outdated equipment can result in missed opportunities at the vital moment, but HIKMICRO has the ultimate solution for hunting success at any light level and into the night.

HIKMICRO HABROK 4K Twilight Performance
HIKMICRO HABROK 4K Twilight Performance

Over the past year, hunters around the world have abandoned traditional optics in favour of the HIKMICRO HABROK 4K, which has revolutionized round-the-clock hunting with its unrivalled digital and thermal capability. These game-changing digital binoculars are born out of HIKMICRO’s refusal to accept the traditional twilight limitations. HABROK 4K has rewritten the rules of low-light hunting, enabling hunters to enjoy crystal-clear viewing from daylight to total darkness – it’s not just a hunting tool, it’s a movement.

HIKMICRO HABROK 4K – The First Choice Digital and Thermal Binocular for Deer Hunters

HIKMICRO developed the HABROK 4K by listening to hunters. This collaboration with the global hunting community means that HABROK 4K’s ultra-refined twilight performance is based on real-world feedback from the people who are putting their kit to the ultimate test. That’s why HABROK 4K has superseded traditional binoculars to become the go-to choice for hunters who demand the best performance in the toughest twilight scenarios.

Twilight Tracking: Outperforming Optical Binoculars

While other optics fail as the sun sinks beneath the hills, HABROK 4K rises to the challenge to become the ultimate low-light hunting companion. Outperforming traditional 10×56 binoculars with its 95% light transmission, it excels where the rest falter. Just like the wary buck emerging cautiously from cover in the fading light, HABROK 4K is now in its natural environment – cutting through the darkness to reveal the secrets of the twilight world. Where others see only blackness, HABROK 4K shows the finest detail – sharp and bright with the clearest definition.

4K UHD: Vivid Colors to Twilight

While conventional optics reduce the golden glow of sunset to murky greys, HABROK 4K reveals the great outdoors in all its glory, bringing it to life in vivid full color 4K UHD. Nothing goes unseen; the chestnut hue and fine texture of the deer’s coat, the subtle twitch of foliage on the woodland edge, and the glint of the last fiery rays catching the buck’s antlers as it pauses to sniff the cool evening air. Apart from serving as important signs for the distant hunter watching from the hill, these details add to the thrill of the hunt. Twilight is the canvas on which HABROK 4K works its magical artistry, immersing you in the beauty of nature and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

HIKMICRO EIS Stability: Precision at High Magnification

The fading light gives the buck confidence to venture from the cover of the woods. The hunter zooms in closer, tracking every cautious step as the deer leaves its woodland sanctuary to feed on the open field. Even at high (22x) magnification, HABROK 4K’s advanced Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) keeps the view rock steady. The hunter’s hands are trembling from the exertion of the climb and the excitement of encountering such a worthy adversary, yet the image is unfaltering. A distant target and thumping pulse make no difference, the view through HABROK 4K remains smooth and stable, leaving the hunter free from distraction and fully focused on the drama of the twilight hunt.

HABROK 4K is an All-In-One Solution: Making Easy Work of Day, Night and Twilight

The buck moves behind a rocky outcrop, forcing the hunter to shift position to maintain visual contact. The HABROK 4K is light and compact, combining all viewing options in a single package. Free from the burden of carrying multiple optics, the hunter moves with ease to follow his quarry.

From a new vantage point, the hunter switches HABROK 4K from full-color 5.5-22×60 binocular to thermal viewing. The buck’s heat profile stands out like a beacon and the hunt resumes.

Now the hunter switches HABROK 4K to night mode, utilizing its integral IR illuminator to banish the darkness. A pin-sharp monochrome image confirms that this is the beast the hunter wants. HABROK 4K’s 1000m built-in laser rangefinder reveals exact distance to target. The hunter takes aim and the twilight adventure comes to a successful conclusion as the moon rises over the wild landscape.

Twilight is the ultimate test in the hunt for the last five minutes, HABROK 4K has passed with flying colors.

HIKMICRO — Pioneering the Future, One Sunset at a Time

The hunt reaches its most critical point during the magical moments between day and night. HABROK 4K becomes an essential tool for success in these vital final five minutes of daylight, buying the hunter valuable extra time when traditional binoculars are no longer of use.

With superior low-light performance, full-color 4K UHD imaging, and stability powered by advanced EIS technology, HABROK 4K continues to provide clear viewing in the fading light – when successful hunters need it most. Whether watching a buck as it creeps out from cover or tracking a deer moving swiftly across a twilight field, HABROK 4K ensures that no detail is missed. Own the hunt by entering the new season with the No.1 choice for all-day, all-light hunting excellence: HABROK 4K.

The Legacy Continues – New HABROK 4K model coming in May

HIKMICRO never stands still and works tirelessly to deliver the best digital and thermal hunting solutions on the market.

The next step in the journey of all-light domination is a 4K upgrade for the HABROK HQ35L 5.5-22x. This model has been refined in line with feedback received direct from leading deer hunters. Breathtaking day, twilight and night viewing are ensured by a 640 thermal detector with 20mK NETD and 4K UHD image resolution. The long list of features includes 250m identification range, 1000m laser range finder, detachable IR illuminator, video and audio recording. HABROK 4K truly is the all-in-one deer hunting solution, delivering the highest level of performance by day and during the vital minutes of twilight.

Share Your Twilight Highlights and Bag a Binocular Harness

Join the movement by using the #Last5minsofdaytimedeerhunting tag when you share your twilight hunting highlights with the HABROK 4K on social media.

HIKMICRO is even offering the chance to get a free binocular harness while supporting international wildlife conservation. To take part in the Bag the Deal, Share the Care offer, simply purchase the HIKMICRO HABROK 4K HE25L/LN 5.5-22×60 from April 22 to June 30 2025 and complete registration via the official HIKMICRO website: https://www.hikmicrotech.com. You get a free binocular harness and HIKMICO will donate 1€ to The International Council for Wildlife Conservation so you can share the care while owning the #Last5minsofdaytimedeerhunting.

KB FINANCIAL GROUP INC. FILES ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F

SEOUL, South Korea, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 25, 2025, KB Financial Group Inc. filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F can be downloaded from www.kbfg.com, as well as from the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.  Investors may request a hard copy of the 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F, free of charge, by contacting kbir@kbfg.com

About KB Financial Group Inc.

KB Financial Group is Korea’s leading financial services provider, offering a broad range of financial products and services. The Group was founded in 2008 to better serve clients, enable growth and deliver value in a rapidly changing financial environment. Our core strengths are our expertise, broad customer base, wide distribution network and strong franchise value.

Under the Group, there are 11 subsidiaries including KB Kookmin Bank, KB Securities, KB Insurance, KB Kookmin Card, KB Life Insurance, KB Asset Management, KB Capital, KB Real Estate Trust, KB Savings Bank, KB Investment, and KB Data Systems. Through our businesses, we provide integrated financial solutions and services that help our clients achieve their financial goals and thrive.

For more information, please visit the Investor Relations section of the website of KB Financial Group Inc. at www.kbfg.com.

Contact information regarding this press release:

Mr. Suk Young Sun, Tel: 82 2 2073 2813, Email: tobegreat7@kbfg.com

Yatsen CEO on Science-Backed Beauty, Turnaround Strategy, and Global Positioning

SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On a recent episode of Bloomberg’s China Show, David (Jingfeng) Huang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Yatsen Holding Ltd. (NYSE: YSG), offered a revealing look into how the Chinese beauty tech company is evolving from a trend-savvy startup into a global innovation leader.

From a growing portfolio of brands to deep investments in science and R&D, Huang positioned Yatsen as a rare hybrid—both agile and deeply rooted in long-term thinking. His message was clear: beauty is being redefined, and Yatsen intends to lead the next era.


A Vision to Build a Tech-Driven Beauty Powerhouse

Founded in 2016, Yatsen first captured attention through Perfect Diary, now a mainstream brand in China. Since then, the company has expanded to 11 brands, spanning mass, masstige, and premium tiers.

Its lineup includes France’s Galenic, focused on cellular anti-aging, the sensorial British skincare brand EVE LOM, and dermatologist-backed Dr.Wu. Together, these brands reflect a deliberate strategy: address varied consumer needs with credible, differentiated propositions.

“Our vision was always to build a next-generation beauty tech company,” Huang explained. “From trend-driven to science-backed, we now offer products across all major segments—what unites them is innovation.”

China’s Beauty Consumers: Smart, Selective, and Innovation-Hungry

The domestic beauty market in China is vast—valued at over RMB 400 billion—yet remains fragmented. Even the top players only command single-digit market shares, giving agile innovators room to grow.

Despite recent macro challenges, Huang is confident: “Chinese consumers are still highly willing to pay—as long as the product truly delivers.”

That belief led to one of Yatsen’s breakout hits: the Biolip Essence Lipstick. Priced similarly to global luxury brands, this hybrid product combines high-performance color with skincare benefits, including patented ingredients that stimulate collagen and reduce lip wrinkles.

“It’s not just makeup. It’s biotech in a lipstick,” Huang said. “And the market responded—we’ve seen strong repurchase and loyalty.”


Science-Led Premiumization: A Strategic Pivot

Yatsen’s transformation goes beyond branding. In 2021, the company initiated a strategic shift: lean harder into skincare, R&D, and innovation-led premiumization. The move was both ambitious and risky, as it involved restructuring operations, reallocating capital, and riding out a tough market cycle.

“Turning around a public company isn’t easy,” said Huang. “But we knew where the market was going—toward science-backed, benefit-driven beauty. We invested over $80 million in R&D, filed 240+ patents, and published in top-tier journals like Nature Medicine and Science Bulletin.”

He added that 3% of Yatsen’s revenue is now allocated to R&D—putting the company among global leaders in innovation spend ratio in the beauty category.

Profitability Resumed, Market Confidence Growing

While Yatsen’s stock price has yet to return to IPO levels, Huang emphasized the fundamentals are stronger than ever.

“Since last quarter, investor feedback has been increasingly positive. But more important than sentiment is performance—we’ve resumed profitable growth, with a long-term focus on value creation,” he said.

The turnaround, built on disciplined brand building and product innovation, has earned Yatsen growing respect among long-term investors.

“We believe the equity market is a weighing machine over time. Our job is to do the right things—R&D, great products, strong brands—and the value will follow.”

Resilience in a Volatile Global Landscape

Huang also addressed concerns around trade and supply chain disruptions, particularly in light of global tariff tensions.

While the beauty industry is highly globalized, Yatsen has insulated itself well. Most of its components and ingredients are sourced domestically, and its primary market remains mainland China.

“We’re not immune, but we’re well-positioned,” he said. “We monitor risks—supplier stability, cross-border issues—but our current exposure is manageable. Still, we stay agile.”

When asked whether cost increases from potential tariffs would be passed on to consumers, Huang pointed to the brand’s focus on delivering value, not just price.

“Consumers are smart. Post-COVID, they’re more price-sensitive, but they’re not chasing the lowest price. They want high value—products that justify their cost.”

A Different Playbook From Global Competitors

Huang believes that Yatsen’s unique blend of local insight and global scientific ambition sets it apart from multinationals struggling to regain ground in China.

“We’re not just following trends—we’re deeply embedded in where Chinese consumer preferences are heading,” he said. “Biotech, neuroscience, ingredient innovation—this is where we’re betting big.”

Yatsen is already seeing results from this strategy with loyal followings for products under brands like Galenic and high-performance serums featuring vitamin A and C.

In a nod to its future direction, Huang revealed that Yatsen is now exploring neuroscience applications in skincare—a niche with massive long-term potential.

Capital Strategy: Transparency, Optionality, and Growth

On the capital markets front, Huang acknowledged investor concerns around ADR delistings and so on. But Yatsen is taking a disciplined, transparent approach.

The company completed a $200 million share buyback, reinforcing confidence and alignment with shareholders.

Yatsen represents a rare blend of scale, agility, and innovation depth. With proven market traction, a science-led product pipeline, and a profitable operating model, the company is positioned to capture long-term share in a fragmented, fast-evolving industry. In terms of Yatsen’s vision,  “We’re not just making beauty products,” Huang concluded, “We’re inventing the future of beauty—and we’re just getting started.”

X Financial Files Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year 2024

SHENZHEN, China, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company” or “we”), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 25, 2025. The annual report can be accessed on the Company’s investor relations website at https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com as well as the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request. Requests should be directed to the Company’s IR Department at ir@xiaoying.com

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the “Company”) is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate and originate loans to prime borrowers under a risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial
Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng
E-mail: ir@xiaoying.com 

Christensen IR

In China
Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Phone: +86-178-1749 0483
E-mail: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com 

In US
Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Phone: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

OneConnect Releases ESG Report for the Third Consecutive Year, Strengthening Its Leadership in Sustainable Finance

SHANGHAI, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 24, OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd (“OneConnect” or the “Company”, NYSE: OCFT, HKSE: 6638) officially released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. This marks the third consecutive year that OneConnect has published its ESG report, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility. The report provides a comprehensive overview of OneConnect’s strategic initiatives and annual achievements across the three pillars of ESG. These efforts align closely with the ” Five Priority Areas in Finance,”, showcasing OneConnect’s continued exploration and firm actions in promoting green finance, serving underbanked communities, cultivating new quality productive forces in finance, mitigating financial risks, and driving global development.

Chen Dangyang, Chairman and CEO of OneConnect, emphasized that amid shifting global political and economic landscapes and the rapid advancement of technological innovation, digital and intelligent transformation—powered by emerging quality productive forces—has become a defining trend in the financial industry. As a leading technology service provider committed to driving digital transformation across the financial sector, OneConnect remains focused on empowering financial institutions through technological innovation. The company is dedicated to proactively addressing industry evolution, building a robust innovation engine to foster new productive forces, accelerating digital and intelligent upgrades, and contributing to the high-quality development of the financial ecosystem.

As Ping An’s exclusive platform for exporting fintech solutions, OneConnect has consistently enhanced its ESG framework in response to an increasingly complex global economic and regulatory environment. ESG principles are fully integrated into every facet of the company’s operations—from strategic planning and business processes to product development and risk management—cultivating a sustainability-oriented culture that is deeply embedded and embraced across the entire organization.

In 2024, OneConnect identified 25 key material topics, prioritizing areas such as climate change mitigation, digital inclusion, technological innovation, compliance and governance, employee development, and social responsibility. The company carried out structured and transparent disclosures aligned with leading international frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) ESG Reporting Guide, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In terms of institutional development, OneConnect revised and optimized over 10 core policy documents covering key risk areas such as operational risk, data security, and concentration risk management, with no major compliance violations reported throughout the year. On integrity governance, the company strengthened its anti-corruption mechanisms by organizing 13 integrity awareness campaigns and promoting the signing of anti-fraud commitment letters with 314 suppliers, further reinforcing its governance foundation.

As a technology platform dedicated to advancing green finance, OneConnect has pledged to achieve operational carbon neutrality by 2030. In 2024, the company successfully maintained its per capita greenhouse gas emissions below 0.4 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent and reduced office energy consumption by 46% compared to conventional workplaces of similar scale, primarily through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

Its green office initiatives span major locations such as Shenzhen and Shanghai, with the comprehensive implementation of sustainability measures—including energy-saving lighting, motion-activated lighting systems, solar-adaptive smart curtains, green procurement practices, and high-efficiency air conditioning systems.By continuously enhancing energy efficiency and optimizing resource utilization, OneConnect is strengthening its carbon reduction efforts across operations and actively fostering a sustainable, low-carbon office ecosystem.

In the realm of green digital services, OneConnect has integrated energy management, carbon emissions tracking, and lean operations modules into its digital platform. These capabilities enable the company to offer enterprise clients comprehensive solutions for analyzing operational energy efficiency and monitoring carbon emissions, thereby contributing its technological expertise to the advancement of a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

Driven by technology, OneConnect continues to upgrade its inclusive finance service system, striving to improve both the accessibility and inclusiveness of financial services. In terms of its product architecture, OneConnect focuses on 4 core financial scenarios: retail, credit, property insurance, and life insurance. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies including AI and big data, the company delivers comprehensive upgrades to financial institutions’ capabilities in customer operations, channel management, and risk control.

OneConnect remains steadfast in its commitment to corporate citizenship, actively participating in public welfare initiatives and volunteer services, while leveraging innovative financial service models to support social development. In 2024, the company launched the “Love Without Waste” donation campaign in Shenzhen and Shanghai, providing books, toys, and daily necessities to underprivileged children in regions such as Daliang Mountain, Sichuan. Through its “Grow Together” charity walk, OneConnect raised funds to support rural education initiatives. Over the year, employees contributed more than 300 hours of ESG-related volunteer service, with over 100 team members taking part.

In promoting sustainable supply chain management, OneConnect conducted responsibility-based onboarding assessments for 314 suppliers, working collaboratively with partners to build a transparent, green, and compliant business ecosystem. These initiatives reflect OneConnect’s enduring belief that financial innovation should serve not only markets, but also people and communities.

Thanks to its continued investment and systematic efforts in advancing its ESG strategy, promoting inclusive technology, and practicing green finance, OneConnect received multiple prestigious industry recognitions in 2024. Highlights include being named to the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2025, recognized as one of Forbes China’s Top 10 Fintech Companies in ESG Practices, listed in KPMG China’s ESG 50 – Governance Pioneer List, and receiving the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) Fintech Development Award. Over the year, OneConnect registered 35 new software copyrights, bringing its total to 329 domestic and international awards, further underscoring its growing ESG impact.

Today, OneConnect serves 197 overseas financial institutions across the world, covering more than 20 countries and regions, reflecting the company’s rapidly expanding global footprint and technological influence.

Looking ahead, OneConnect will navigate the next wave of technological innovation with technology as its vessel and responsibility as its sail.The company will continue to fortify its technological foundation, increase investment in cutting-edge research and development, expand financial product applications and service models, and further integrate ESG principles into its business operations. Through these efforts, OneConnect aims to contribute to the cultivation of new quality productive forces within the financial industry and support the broader goal of building a strong and resilient financial nation.

Witsbb Sets New Benchmark with Allergen-free 100+ Transparent List, Driving the Industry Standardization

SYDNEY, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Allergy prevention is a concern of parents when they are choosing foods and supplements for their babies. Now, there is a new breakthrough in this dilemma. Recently, Witsbb, an Australian infant nutrition brand, has for the first time released the “Allergen-Free 100+ Transparent List”, which can help select nutritional products for sensitive babies. With innovative technology, 100+ common food allergens are eliminated, including but not limited to eight common allergens such as seafood/shrimp shells, milk, eggs, and so on, as pointed out in the National Standard for Food Safety: General Principles for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2011). The list covers common allergens that are mandatorily labeled in 12 countries and regions, such as China, Australia, and the United States, allowing cross-region families with sensitive babies to precisely target safe options and provide more scientific and effective nutritional solutions for sensitive babies.

Allergen-free 100+ Transparent List
Allergen-free 100+ Transparent List

By using the list, parents can conveniently screen nutritional supplements suitable for sensitive babies to reduce the risks caused by unknown allergens. For a long time, there are differences in allergen labeling in the industry. Witsbb’s transparent list provides a new way of thinking and direction for allergen labeling in the industry, which to a certain extent, prompts the progress of the industry in allergen labeling management.

Witsbb has been committed to providing safe nutritional products for sensitive babies. It has witnessed it’s development from being free from 8 common allergens at stage 1.0, to being free from 29 common food allergens at stage 2.0, and then to being free from 57 common food allergens at stage 3.0. Now, with the release of the Transparent List, Witsbb has officially entered the 4.0 stage.

“We understand that when choosing nutritional supplements for families with sensitive babies, it is important to avoid the risk of allergies while ensuring nutritional effectiveness,” said the relevant person in charge of Witsbb, “the release of the ‘Allergen Free 100+ Transparent List’ is precisely to enable parents to save their hearts and babies to feel at ease with more transparent information.” At present, the standardized development of the infant nutrition market is still under exploration. The practice of Witsbb can potentially provide a feasible reference model for the industry.

Witsbb “Allergy-free 100+ transparent list” Transparent Exclusion List:
https://www.witsbb.com.au/post/witsbb-allergen-free-100-transparent-exclusion-list