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Agoda Data Reveals Top Honeymoon Destinations for Indian Travelers in 2025

SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest data on the most searched honeymoon destinations reveals Indian newlyweds are chasing sunsets, islands, and immersive experiences. Goa continues to reign as the top domestic choice, while Dubai leads internationally. The surprise of the year: Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has seen an eightfold increase in popularity, entering the top ten rank for the first time.

India’s wedding season is just around the corner, as the monsoon season draws to a close and the cooler, more pleasant weather of winter approaches from November to January. In the coming months, wedding-related travel is set to be on the rise, with couples, families, and guests preparing to celebrate together in destinations near and far. Honeymoons, in particular, can be a significant demand driver as couples book their first trip together, and this year’s trends highlight both enduring favorites and new discoveries.

Domestically, Goa has held strong as India’s most-loved honeymoon spot for the second year running, thanks to its sun-soaked beaches, boutique resorts, and vibrant culinary scene. Meanwhile, Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” climbed to second place in 2025, appealing to couples with its royal charm and serene lakeside views. Mumbai ranks third, while Jaipur and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands complete the top five. The Andamans are emerging as an increasingly sought-after island escape closer to home, making its debut in the top five rank for honeymooners this year.

Internationally, Dubai remains the top choice, drawing couples with its luxury, desert adventures, and glamorous cityscape. Phuket and Bangkok follow close behind, while Bali and Pattaya continue their tropical pull. But it’s Phu Quoc Island that’s stealing the spotlight this year, climbing from outside the top 10 in 2024 to sixth place in 2025 with nearly 700% growth in search interest – highlighting Indian travelers’ appetite for fresh and affordable Southeast Asian escapes.

Commenting on the data, Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda said, “Honeymoons are among the most meaningful trips couples take, and Indian travelers are showing a growing preference for destinations that offer both romance and discovery. From classic getaway destinations like Goa and Bali to rising stars like Phu Quoc, beach and island getaways are winning hearts and setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness for newlyweds. Agoda’s wide range of stays and activities helps couples create trips as unique as their journey together.”

Whether it’s watching a sunset on a Goan beach, dining by the lakeside in Udaipur, or exploring the beauty of the island of Phu Quoc, Agoda helps couples discover their ideal romantic escape. With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities available, travelers can plan and book their dream honeymoon in just a few clicks.

Find the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.

 

Canon Envisions a ‘Future-Ready Malaysia’ at Think Big Klang Valley Series 2025

Forum invites businesses to Lead with Smart Tech towards Innovation, Resilience, and Growth in today’s digital-first economy


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2025 – Canon today announced its upcoming Think Big Klang Valley Series, happening on 12 November 2025 at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel. Under the theme of ‘Future-Ready Malaysia: Innovation, Resilience, Growth’, the forum will bring together industry leaders and policymakers to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies can power productivity, attract investments, and elevate local talent in Malaysia’s rapidly digitalising economy.

Canon announces Think Big Klang Valley to conclude Think Big Series in Malaysia
Canon announces Think Big Klang Valley to conclude Think Big Series in Malaysia

This thought leadership forum in Kuala Lumpur brings together insights from the Think Big events in 2025 across Malaysia—generated from sessions in Johor Bahru, Penang, and Putrajaya—where business leaders convened to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s economic and business landscape.

Malaysia’s digital economy is projected to contribute 25.5% to the national GDP by 2025, with investments in AI and digital infrastructure surging by 125% in the second quarter of 2025 alone. Building on this momentum, the Malaysia Budget 2026 has also allocated RM5.9 billion to further strengthen AI research, development and innovation via cross-ministerial efforts — signalling a market poised for hyper-growth.

“The rapid rise of AI and cloud technologies is shaping how organisations across Asia operate and compete, with Malaysia rapidly emerging as one of the regional leaders in this transformation,” said Norihiro (Nick) Katagiri, Senior Vice President, Regional Digital Printing and Business Solution Operations, Canon Singapore. “Think Big Malaysia serves as a critical platform to equip business leaders with the practical blueprint to harness the full power of AI and cloud technologies in the workplace, while empowering long-term growth and resilience in a digital-first economy.”

Next-Gen Solutions and Innovative Insights for Future-Ready Economies
The Klang Valley Series of Think Big Malaysia is set to deliver expert insights through a fireside session and panel discussion. These sessions will guide business leaders on maximising the opportunities presented by Malaysia’s growing digital infrastructure. Executives will also gain strategic direction for leveraging integrated solutions to mitigate market challenges and secure long-term competitive advantage.

The event’s speaker lineup will feature notable government representatives and key industry leaders from Malaysia’s digital and finance sectors, including the Minister of Digital for Malaysia, YB Gobind Singh Deo, and the Chief Economist of Affin Bank Berhad, Alan Tan. Complementing the leadership discussions, Canon will host a dedicated solutions showcase to highlight smart technologies aimed at helping businesses accelerate digital transformation, streamline workflows, and create greater value. These solutions include:

  • imageFORCE: Canon’s next-generation multi-function device (MFD) series which integrates intelligent automation and advanced security for seamless digital workflows. It features AI-assisted smart maintenance, utilising machine learning to predict component lifespan and ensure maximum uptime.
  • Antelope®: An AI-powered document management solution which transforms raw documents—including printed and handwritten text—into actionable insights by accurately capturing data, generating quick summaries, and extracting key terms for faster workflow.
  • VisualAI: An AI-driven operational platform which delivers real-time visibility across people, material, and processes. Through the analysis of on-ground activities and seamless integration with backend systems and IoT devices, the solution creates a safer, more productive and efficient workspace.

“Malaysia’s growing strength and leadership in AI and cloud infrastructure reflect a powerful national commitment to building a digital-first economy. As the country attracts major investments and accelerates smart technology adoption across industries, businesses here have an incredible opportunity to reinvent the way they work,” said Masato Yoshiie, President and CEO, Canon Marketing Malaysia. “We are dedicated to helping companies turn these advancements into practical value—delivering smart, integrated solutions that maximise business efficiency, enhance collaboration, and support them in building a future-ready Malaysia.”

For more information on Think Big Malaysia, please visit: https://bcbs.asia.canon/en/discover/events/think-big/future-ready-malaysia-innovation-resilience-growth

About Think Big Leadership Business Series

The Think Big Leadership Business Series, an initiative by Canon, is designed to inspire and empower business leaders with forward-looking strategies and actionable insights. First launched in Singapore in 2010, the platform helps organisations navigate today’s fast-evolving business landscape by demonstrating how innovation and technology can drive sustainable growth.
Hashtag: #Canon

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

About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 170,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.

More information is available at .

Forrester’s 2026 B2B Marketing, Sales, And Product Predictions: B2B Companies Will Lose More Than $10 Billion Because Of Ungoverned Use Of Generative AI

SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to Forrester’s (Nasdaq: FORR) B2B marketing, sales, and product predictions, as more B2B buyers adopt generative AI and conversational search tools to gather faster insights, marketing, sales, and product leaders are facing intense pressure to integrate genAI into their go-to-market applications to keep up. Yet 19% of buyers using these AI applications feel less confident in their purchasing decisions due to inaccurate or unreliable information provided by genAI. The explosion of new and untested genAI functionality, combined with lagging AI user skills, will result in incidents that lead to the loss of more than $10 billion in enterprise value from declining stock prices, legal settlements, and fines.

While B2B companies are trying to minimize risk by applying governance practices used for internally developed applications, these top-down approaches are inadequate to control the adoption of genAI in the commercial applications that go-to-market teams use. To harness the power of genAI responsibly, organizations must improve employees’ “AI intelligence quotient” and democratize their governance efforts.

Forrester’s Predictions reports offer forward-looking insights into the trends and signals that empower leaders and their teams to think beyond the conventional and ignite bold ideas in the year ahead. Forrester’s B2B marketing, sales, and product predictions cover topics including: B2B marketing, sales, and product; business buyers; digital commerce; and payments.

Key highlights from Forrester’s B2B business buyer and marketing, sales, and product predictions include:

  • Human expertise will rival genAI in appeal as buyers seek deeper validation. In 2025, 30% of all buyers viewed genAI tools as a meaningful interaction type during the final commit stage of their purchase, compared to just 17% who said the same about interacting with product experts. As genAI provides buyers with more information, buyers will turn to experts to validate insights and answer complex questions. These interactions will continue to become prominent earlier in the buying process.
  • Seventy-five percent of enterprise B2B companies will increase budgets for influencer relations. As buying networks expand and buying groups increasingly rely on external influencers — analysts, subject matter experts, and luminaries — for fact-based insights, marketing leaders will elevate influencer relations to a strategic growth lever. According to Forrester’s Buyers’ Journey Survey, 2025, analyst reports and social media are among the most commonly cited content assets and interactions that business buyers find meaningful.
  • Twenty percent of B2B sellers will be forced to engage in agent-led quote negotiations. In 2025, 61% of purchase influencers say their organization has or will use a private genAI engine to support purchasing. In 2026, at least one in five B2B sellers will be compelled to respond to AI-powered buyer agents with dynamically delivered counteroffers via seller-controlled agents.

“B2B leaders must embrace a more disciplined and evidence-driven approach to how they engage with generative AI, prioritizing trust and tangible value for buyers as they head into next year,” said Sharyn Leaver, chief research officer at Forrester. “Success will hinge on investing in AI governance, balancing human expertise with AI tools, and empowering teams to deliver clear, validated outcomes. In a volatile market, accountability and clarity will be the cornerstones of competitive advantage for B2B leaders.”

Resources:

About Forrester
Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We empower leaders in technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, sales, and product functions to be bold at work and accelerate growth through customer obsession. Our unique research and continuous guidance model helps executives and their teams achieve their initiatives and outcomes faster and with confidence. To learn more, visit Forrester.com. 

Ready Server Launches VPS Hosting Service to Empower Growth of Businesses in Singapore

Ready Server’s new VPS service offers unmetered access, per-hour billing, and enterprise-grade performance for growing businesses.

SINGAPORE, October 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ready Server, a server hosting service provider from Singapore, has introduced a new Virtual Private Server (VPS) service aimed at tackling the prohibitive costs and complexity often faced by growing enterprises. With its unique per-hour billing and unmetered internet access under a fair-use policy, the new VPS hosting service provides businesses of all sizes with the financial agility to scale instantly, ensuring zero waste and predictable expenditure without worrying about bandwidth caps or unexpected cloud fees.

Ready Server director Alan Woo at his company's data centre in Singapore
Ready Server director Alan Woo at his company’s data centre in Singapore

Growth of Digital Economy Drives New Opportunities for Smarter Hosting Services

Singapore’s digital economy continues to thrive, contributing S$128.1 billion (18.6% of GDP) in 2024, up S$12 billion from the previous year. As industries such as finance, manufacturing, and professional services accelerate their digital transformations, demand for robust, scalable technology infrastructure has surged, creating new opportunities for smarter hosting solutions.

While public cloud platforms offer agility, small businesses often face additional, sometimes hidden costs from repeated deployments, data transfers, and idle virtual machines. Many also struggle to ensure machine compatibility and timely updates across applications. This infrastructure complexity diverts valuable time and resources away from innovation.

“Financial agility is becoming the new competitive edge in our digital-first economy,” said Alan Woo, Director of Ready Server. “Many small and growing businesses struggle with the rigid pricing and hidden costs of traditional cloud platforms. Our innovative per-hour billing and unmetered access give them the flexibility to manage resources and costs on their own terms, thus giving Singaporean enterprises the granular control over expenditure they need to innovate without capital risk.”

Strengthening the Nation’s Digital Backbone with High-Performance Hosting

Designed to handle diverse workloads, the hosting service enables developers and enterprises to build, test, and scale with confidence. From developers creating new apps to SMEs running online stores, and large organisations managing critical systems, Ready Server’s VPS hosting service ensures stable, secure performance.

The hosting service operates from Ready Server’s state-of-the-art data centres in Singapore, featuring more than 5,000 CPU cores for scalable performance and 100TB of ultra-fast SSD storage for maximum speed and reliability.

Real-Time Control Across Devices

Businesses can take full control of their operations through the mobile app, available on both Apple and Android devices. This allows them to conveniently manage and monitor their servers from anywhere, at any time.

Flexible and Transparent Pricing

The new VPS hosting service is available with flexible, per-hour billing starting at S$0.00694/hour (approximately S$5/month). This provides businesses with a truly flexible, risk-free pathway to high-performance computing that ensures zero wastage and the freedom to start projects anytime without committing to a long-term plan.

To get started, download the app and sign up and claim free credits to try the VPS service at  https://www.readyserver.sg/download-mobile-app/ or learn more at https://www.readyserver.sg/.

About Ready Server

At Ready Server, we’re building a better VPS hosting experience for developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Our mission is to provide fast, reliable, and affordable VPS solutions that empower you to focus on what matters most – building and growing your online projects.

TCL Announces Winter Sports Athletes Joining Team TCL, Embodying the Spirit of “Inspire Greatness”

100-Day Countdown to Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 kicks off
as TCL Encourages People to Share “Wishes for Greatness”

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a global technology company, today announced that Team TCL has now grown to include 14 exceptional winter sport athletes as the world marks 100 days until the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and excitement for the event continues to build.

Group photo of Team TCL
Group photo of Team TCL

Team TCL embodies the extraordinary

Team TCL is comprised of trailblazers who dare to go beyond limits and embrace the spirit of “Inspire Greatness.” It encompasses athletes who constantly raise the bar both on and off the field, people who bravely push boundaries in their daily lives, and TCL products that surpass the imagination through technology. Driven by a relentless commitment to innovate, TCL doesn’t just enable athletes to rise to new heights – it empowers everyone to pursue their passions and shape the next chapter of what can be achieved.

Team TCL launched on August 18 with the appointment of freestyle skier Eileen Gu as TCL’s Global Brand Ambassador, building on TCL’s role as a Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category. The latest winter sports athletes to join the initiative are:

  • JackHughes: Jack, a New Jersey Devils forward, is a record-beating American ice-hockey hopeful and two-time NHL All-Star, known for his creativity and puck-handling skills.
  • QuinnHughes: Renowned for his speed, Jack’s brother Quinn, Vancouver Canucks Team Captain and defenseman, is an American ice-hockey player and superstar in today’s NHL, who was named NHL’s Best Defenseman in 2024.
  • AyumuHirano: A Japanese snowboarding champion, Ayumu won his first Olympic medal at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi aged just 15. Since then, he has won two more Olympic medals including a gold in the men’s halfpipe at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
  • MengtingLiu: A rising Chinese skiing star, Mengting won gold medals in both the freeski big air event and freeski slopestyle at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, earlier this year.
  • AlineRocha: Aline is an accomplished Brazilian wheelchair racer and skier, having competed at four Paralympic Games editions, including two Paralympic Winter Games.
  • CristianRibera: A Brazilian para cross-country skier, Cristian has competed in two previous Paralympic Winter Games. Along with Aline, he hopes to help Brazil win its first ever Paralympic Winter Games medal at Milano Cortina 2026.

These winter sports athletes join the existing members of Team TCL: Italian alpine skiers Alex Vinatzer and Christof Innerhofer, Dutch speed skater Joy Beune, French alpine skier Clement Noel, and Swedish cross-country skiers Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson and Jonna Sundling.

TCL’s mission to “Inspire Greatness” in sport and in life

As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, TCL will use technology, including smart digital displays, to engage and energize athletes and fans at the Olympic Winter Games. The company will also supply the Olympic Village with technology including smart displays, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, door locks, audio systems, projectors and TCL RayNeo smart glasses to enhance comfort and connectivity for athletes.

TCL’s commitment to “Inspire Greatness” goes far beyond the Olympic Games and the world of sport. The motto speaks to TCL’s drive to develop cutting-edge technology that inspires the imagination and empowers consumers worldwide.

By enhancing the lives of its users, TCL has achieved global success. In the first half of 2025, the company maintained its position as the global No.1 Mini LED TV brand, achieving a 176% year-on-year growth in shipments. TCL’s home appliances are also redefining modern living with cutting-edge features across multiple categories. Notably, the TCL Fresh Air AC ranked No. 1 globally in sales[1], while the company’s flagship air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines continue to deliver smarter, healthier lifestyles to consumers around the globe.

“Team TCL is a major milestone in extending TCL’s role as a Worldwide Olympic Partner,” said Wei Xue, Vice President and ESG Director of TCL Technology, and Chairman of the TCL Charity Foundation. “As well as empowering the Olympic Games for athletes and fans, TCL is proud to nurture sporting talent from around the world through technology. As the 100-day countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 begins, we encourage everyone to embrace the excitement and express their own wish for greatness.”

“After so many years on the slopes, I know that resilience and innovation are what keep you at the top,” said Christof Innerhofer. “TCL shares that drive. Together, we want to inspire the next generation of Italian skiers to dream big and chase their own goals on the road to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.”

“Winning a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 fulfilled my childhood dream, demonstrating the power of the wishes we all carry with us,” said Ayumu Hirano. “I’m proud to be part of Team TCL and connect with fans around the world to show what hard work and perseverance can achieve.”

“Dedicating your life to a goal takes consistency, dedication and a willingness to innovate,” said Quinn Hughes. “Team TCL shares that mindset and its support makes a real difference in ensuring I’m prepared to perform at my best.”

“Since becoming an athlete, I have aspired to compete with the best,” said Aline Rocha. “With Team TCL, I aim to show young people with disabilities what is possible when you dream big and look beyond the limits that others set for you. I look forward to sharing this journey together.”

TCL launches its “Wishes for Greatness” campaign

Ahead of the Olympic Winter Games and as the festive season draws near, TCL’s “Wishes for Greatness” campaign is encouraging everyone to dream big and empower their own future. The campaign highlights that, in the same way every dream of sporting achievement began as a childhood aspiration, everyone can make a wish that ignites the spark of greatness.

Team TCL athletes will drive the campaign across the world through engagement on social media, advertising campaigns, product launches and special promotions.

In addition, TCL will host a “Wishes for Greatness” themed winter wonderland in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s magnificent cathedral, from December 2025 to January 2026. The magical Christmas village will centre on a stunning, illuminated Christmas tree and incorporate five themed igloos, sport-inspired decorations, fun activities and a showcase of TCL products. The display and activities will highlight how every wish can inspire an extraordinary story.

About TCL

Founded in 1981, TCL—short for “The Creative Life”—embodies creativity in every aspect of life. As a leading technology company, TCL is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions—including TVs, smartphones, audio products, smart home devices, display technologies, and clean energy—that enhance customer experiences through TCL Industries and TCL Technology.

As of now, with 47 R&D centers and 39 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, cementing its position as a globally competitive smart technology brand. To further inspire greatness, TCL has become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.

[1] TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics, has been ranked as the worldwide number one in fresh air conditioner sales for 2024 according to independent research firm, SHANGPU GROUP

 

TECNO Slim Claims Coveted MUSE Design Award with Revolutionary Ultra-Slim Innovation

Elegant smartphone design achieves new balance between slim profile, powerful performance and a long-lasting battery.

HONG KONG, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO today announced that its TECNO Slim smartphone has received the Platinum Award in the Digital and Electronic Devices category at the MUSE Design Awards 2025. The award honors its innovative approach to harmonizing an ultra-slim elegance with powerful performance and long-lasting battery a balance that has consistently challenged smartphone manufacturers.


The MUSE Design Awards, organized by the International Awards Associate (IAA), is an internationally respected design competition known for its exacting judging standards. This year’s edition received thousands of entries from over 50 countries, spanning product, architecture, and communication design categories. The competition employs a rigorous blind evaluation process where entries are assessed on criteria including innovation, functionality, and social impact.

“We are grateful that our pioneering ultra-slim innovation in TECNO Slim has been acknowledged by the MUSE Design Awards,” commented by Joey Qu, TECNO Senior Product Manager. “This award strengthens our resolve to push the boundaries of smartphone design through purposeful innovation, delivering ultra-slim elegance with uncompromised performance that addresses genuine user needs.”

At the heart of its design philosophy is an ultra-slim 3D curved body, measuring just 5.93mm (4G version) and 5.95mm (5G version). Remarkably, this sleek profile houses a 5,160mAh battery with 45W fast charging, a feat enabled by TECNO’s proprietary Honeycomb Stacking Technology that increases internal layout efficiency by 12%.

The interactive Mood Light creates a more human and playful connection, delivering dynamic visual responses not only for notifications and charging, but also for scenarios like incoming calls, music rhythm, and self-timer countdowns. This thoughtful design adds an emotional dimension to everyday interactions, making technology feel more personal and engaging.

On the durability front, structural integrity is achieved through a 0.36mm aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover that is 0.19mm thinner than standard materials yet 300% stronger. The device has earned SGS certification for outstanding dust and water resistance, providing added reliability for daily use. Complementing this robust construction, the advanced thermal management system provides 24,532 mm² of effective heat dissipation to maintain consistent performance during extended use, all while preserving a comfortable in-hand feel.

TECNO Slim stands as a clear statement of how bold aesthetics and practical engineering can be seamlessly fused, reinforcing TECNO’s role in redefining the future of smartphone design.

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

Netcore Cloud Achieves CMMI Level 3 Appraisal

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Netcore Cloud, a global leader in AI-powered customer engagement and personalisation, today announced that it has been appraised at level 3 of ISACA’s Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI®). The appraisal was performed by Equalitas Certifications Limited.

CMMI is a proven, outcome-based performance model and the globally accepted standard for improving capability, optimizing business performance and aligning operations to business goals.

An appraisal at Maturity Level 3 indicates the organization is performing at a ‘defined’ level. At this level, processes are well characterized and understood, and are described in standards, procedures, tools and methods. The organization’s set of standard processes, which is the basis for Maturity Level 3, is established and improved over time.

“Organizations worldwide are harnessing CMMI to elevate their business performance to new heights, creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the process,” says Ron Lear, VP, Frameworks and Models at ISACA. “We commend Netcore Cloud on achieving this CMMI appraisal level and demonstrating their ability as a high-performing organization.”

Achieving this CMMI appraisal is more than just a certification; it’s a reflection of our relentless pursuit of perfection and our deep commitment to our customers,” said Kuldeep Sengar, Group CTO of Netcore Cloud. “This milestone assures our clients that their trust in us is well-placed and validates our eligibility to engage with top-tier clients worldwide.”

This achievement builds on the company’s existing compliance with global standards and complements Netcore Cloud’s robust data sensitivity benchmarks, assuring customers that their information is handled with the utmost care and security. By integrating best practices from CMMI with its existing quality and security frameworks, Netcore Cloud is equipped to expand its business into new, highly regulated markets and demonstrate an elite level of operational maturity.

For more information about Netcore Cloud’s CMMI appraisal and its commitment to quality, please visit https://netcorecloud.com/

About Netcore Cloud

Netcore Cloud, a global leader in marketing technology, empowers marketers with its comprehensive Customer Engagement and Experience Suite to create personalized, omnichannel experiences. Leveraging AI to integrate customer data, Netcore enables targeted segments and meaningful digital interactions. Trusted by over 6,500 brands across sectors like Ecommerce, Retail, Banking and Financial Services, Media and Entertainment, and Travel, its marquee clients include Walmart, Unilever, Tommy Hilfiger, Domino’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Crocs. For more information, visit netcorecloud.com

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/netcore_logo.jpg

 

Total Investment of Approx. USD 11.6 Million in TB and NTD R&D Projects With Partners Including Fujifilm, Stop TB Partnership, and the Ohio State University

TOKYO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1.73 billion (USD 11.6 million1) in four R&D projects for the development of diagnostics and a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and malaria.2 

Investment of JPY 390 Million (USD 2.6 million1) to Advance a Novel Rapid Diagnostic for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s most devastating infectious diseases, affecting over 10 million people and causing 1.3 million deaths annually.3 In resource-limited settings, over 3 million people go undiagnosed each year due to the lack of suitable, accessible diagnostic tools4—particularly at the point of first contact with the healthcare system. Severely ill patients and children, who often struggle to produce sputum, are especially at risk of being missed by routine diagnostics. To help address this gap, the GHIT Fund is investing JPY 390 million (USD 2.6 million1) in a global partnership aimed at assessing and introducing an innovative TB diagnostic. This project is being led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) hosted organization Stop TB Partnership, in collaboration with FUJIFILM Corporation, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and research institutions in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Germany. The investment builds on a prior GHIT-supported project that received approximately JPY 600 million (USD 4.0 million1) between 2016 and 2023 and seeks to bring a highly sensitive urine-based rapid test progressing toward implementation.

The project will evaluate the performance and feasibility of FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM II, a rapid test developed by Fujifilm to detect urinary LAM antigens, along with a urine concentration device (UCD). This innovative diagnostic approach eliminates the need for sputum collection and has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy for a broad range of people—including those living with or without HIV, severely ill individuals, and children. By enabling earlier and more accessible diagnosis, particularly in underserved settings, this project aims to reduce diagnostic delays and disparities, help limit the spread of TB, and ultimately support global efforts to end the disease.

JPY 681 million (USD 4.5 million1) Investment in a Phase I Clinical Study of a Leishmaniasis Vaccine
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an NTD. The GHIT Fund will invest JPY 681 million (USD 4.5 million1) in Phase I clinical trials of this promising vaccine, in a project jointly conducted by the Ohio State University and Nagasaki University. The project will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the investigational vaccine in healthy adults living in endemic regions of Brazil and Kenya. In addition, on July 25, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to initiate human clinical trials. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the fight against leishmaniasis and will accelerate product development and early access.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 666 million (USD 4.4 million1) in the following two R&D projects:
(1) Product development project for new rapid diagnostic test for strongyloidiasis by Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD), Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL), IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Fundacion Mundo Sano, and Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (BEDx) 
(2) Target research project for malaria diagnostics by Ehime University, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) Nagasaki University, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages. The four projects funded in this round bring together partners from a total of 11 countries. Since its inception, the GHIT Fund has worked with more than 190 research and development partners, including more than 130 overseas institutions. The GHIT Fund serves as a bridge connecting pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutes in Japan with their counterparts around the world.

As of September 30, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 42 projects, including 17 discovery projects, 14 preclinical projects, and 11 clinical trials.6 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 41.0 billion (USD 275 million1) (Appendix 2).

1 USD1 = JPY148.81, the approximate exchange rate on September 30, 2025.
2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002, RFP2024-001, and RFP2025-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Target Research Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2025.
3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis 
4 Stop TB Partnership https://www.stoptb.org/missing-tb-millions 
5 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leishmaniasis 
6 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world’s vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.
https://www.ghitfund.org/en

Appendix 1. Project Details 

ID: G2023-212

Project Title

Multi-site field trial of the FUJIFILM SILVAMP TB LAM Ⅱ including the diagnostic accuracy of a urine concentration device

Collaboration

Partners

1. Stop TB Partnership (Switzerland)

2. FUJIFILM Corporation (Japan)

3. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) (UK)

4. Center for Health Promotion and Research (CHPR) (Cameroon)

5. Friends for International TB Relief (FIT) (Germany)

6. Zankli Research Centre, Bingham University Nigeria (ZRC) (Nigeria)

Disease

Tuberculosis

Intervention

Diagnostics

Stage

Product Validation

Awarded Amount

JPY 390,000,000 (USD 2.6 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

The primary objective of the project is to provide evidence on the performance of Fujifilm’s redesigned SILVAMP TB LAM II assay as well as a urine concentration device (UCD) which is expected to further increase sensitivity especially in HIV-negative individuals to obtain a WHO policy recommendation with strengthened evidence based on the operationalization, costing and feasibility studies to be conducted on this project.

[Project design]

The project team will prospectively evaluate the performance of the SILVAMP TB LAM Ⅱ assay as well as a urine concentration device across multiple sites in Cameroon, Nigeria and Vietnam. The project team will evaluate test performance among PLHIV and HIV-negative adults as well as children irrespective of HIV co-infection. Operationalization, costing and feasibility of the assay will also be addressed.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/246/en

ID: G2024-101

Project Title

Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of the cGMP LmCen-/- Vaccine in Phase I Clinical Trials

Collaboration

Partners

1. The Ohio State University (USA)

2. Nagasaki University (Japan)

Disease

Leishmaniasis

Intervention

Vaccines

Stage

Clinical Phase I

Awarded Amount

JPY 681,063,113 (USD 4.5 million)

Status

Continued project

Summary

[Project objective]

Objective 1: Conduct a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers in Brazil (New World)

Objective 2: Conduct a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers in Kenya (Old World)

[Project design]This project is a continuation of the GHIT-funded project G2018-201 to advance clinical development of the LmCen-/- vaccine. During the previous funding period, the project team successfully accomplished the goals of the project by:

1) Validate the safety and efficacy of a GLP-grade LmCen-/- vaccine produced by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals under cGMP conditions using preclinical animal models,

2) Produce a GMP master cell bank (MCB) and a GMP working cell bank (WCB) of LmCen-/- parasites,

3) Establish cGMP manufacturing of the LmCen-/- vaccine,

4) Complete preclinical toxicology studies in accordance with regulatory guidelines using a GLP LmCen-/- vaccine produced from an engineering run of the cGMP cell bank, and

5) Finalize the IND package for the LmCen-/- product for submission to regulatory authorities.

In the current project, the project team proposes to evaluate the safety of the LmCen-/- vaccine in healthy volunteers living in leishmaniasis-endemic countries, Brazil and Kenya, where other factors such as subclinical nutritional deficiencies and co-infections, such as diarrhea, malaria, Chagas disease (in Brazil) and helminth infections, are common and have been documented to impact vaccine safety and immunogenicity.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/247/en 

ID: G2025-101

Project Title

Strongyloides stercoralis Rapid Test Plus (SsRT+): A new rapid diagnostic test with improved ease of use to support WHO strongyloidiasis control programs.

Collaboration

Partners

1. Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) (USA)

2. Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL) (Japan)

3. IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital (Italy)

4. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (Australia)

5. Fundacion Mundo Sano (Spain)

6. Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. (BEDx) (USA)

Disease

Strongyloidiasis (Soil-transmitted helminth)

Intervention

Diagnostic

Stage

Product Design

Awarded Amount

JPY 566,596,199 (USD 3.8 million)

Status

New

Summary

[Project objective]

The overarching goal of this project is to deliver an easy-to-use, low-cost point-of-care test to detect S. stercoralis infection. Our new test, termed S. stercoralis Rapid Test Plus (SsRT+), will be an improved version of SsRapid, which was developed and validated by our Consultant, Prof. R. Noordin, and has been shown to be 80-97% sensitive and 90-100% specific in a series of laboratory and field studies. A first SsRT+ prototype has already been generated, which showed diagnostic performance comparable to, or better than, SsRapid. SsRT+ will be fully optimized in this project to meet all key criteria of the new TPP for S. stercoralis diagnostics.

[Project design]Objective-1: This first activity aims to review the optimal use case(s) and define the key experimental data to be generated with SsRT+ to align with the WHO strongyloidiasis control programs. We will also finalize the study plans for the field evaluations in Australia and Argentina and complete a business/commercialization plan.

Objective-2: Having access to high-quality antigens and positive control antibodies is key for efficient test development, optimization, and manufacturing under ISO-13485:2016 standards. As for all our other GHIT Fund projects, MBL will be entrusted with the production of high-quality recombinant NIE and IgG4-anti-NIE. 

Objective-3: The SsRT+ prototype available at the outset of G2025-101 will be fully optimized, according to all key criteria listed in the TPP for S. stercoralis diagnostics, including sensitivity, specificity, time to result, result stability, reproducibility (CV values), and cost. Since the precursor of SsRT+, SsRapid, already meets most of the TPP criteria, we consider this a very realistic objective.

Objective-4: Prof. R. Noordin of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), who has developed and validated SsRapid in numerous laboratory and field studies, and Prof. D. Buonfrate of IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, who has previously run an in-depth diagnostic accuracy study involving SsRapid, will independently evaluate the diagnostic performance of SsRT+ to demonstrate that it complies with the TPP and is not inferior to SsRapid.

Objective-5: Once validated for TPP-compliant performance in the laboratory, SsRT+ will be evaluated in two field studies in Australia and Argentina, conducted by the groups of Prof. D. Gray of QIMR Berghofer and Prof. A. Krolewiecki of Mundo Sano, respectively.

Objective-6: An ISO-13485:2016 compliant automated manufacturing process commensurate with the anticipated demand will be developed by DDTD, modeled on the one we successfully put in place for our Onchocerciasis rapid test in the GHIT Fund project G2023-111, and subsequently validated by BEDx through production of several pilot lots and quantification of inter-lot consistency.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/248/en 

ID: T2024-276

Project Title

Development of Ultrasensitive and Robust Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests Using de novo Designed Antigen Binders

Collaboration

Partners

1. Ehime University (Japan)

2. Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) Nagasaki University (Japan)

3. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Malaysia)

Disease

Malaria

Intervention

Diagnostics

Stage

Concept Development

Awarded Amount

JPY 99,670,808 (USD 0.6 million)

Status

New

Summary

[Project objective]

Current malaria Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) use antibodies as their capture and detection reagents. The limited sensitivity of LFAs in part reflects the relativity modest affinities of typical antibodies for their target proteins. In addition, the identification of antibodies that target related proteins with high specificity is time-consuming and uncertain of success. A technology that replaces monoclonal antibodies could thus have a transformative impact on the development of new diagnostics. We propose to develop novel protein-based affinity reagents that enable the creation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that diagnose infection with Plasmodium falciparum, non-falciparum malaria parasites, and the emerging pathogen Plasmodium knowlesi with sensitivities that considerably exceed existing alternatives. Our work will result in affinity reagents that integrate directly into the existing infrastructure for the creation of LFAs, the technology used in rapid COVID tests. The products of this project can thus be rapidly scaled to impact malaria treatment worldwide. As part of this project, we will validate our approach using clinical samples. If successful, the diagnostics resulting from our collaboration will possess enhanced sensitivity, greater shelf stability, lower cost, and the elimination of test failure due to parasite mutations, four improvements that have been identified as critically important by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of malaria. Success in this project will establish a general-purpose platform for the rapid development of highly sensitive diagnostic assays. In addition to its impact on malaria diagnosis and treatment, this project will thus provide proof-of-concept for a novel platform technology enabling the development of rapidly scalable diagnostics for novel infectious diseases. Our overall goals are thus to develop new protein-based affinity reagents that can improve the sensitivity of malaria LFAs, and to extend malaria LFAs to include diagnosis of infection with P. knowlesi.

[Project design]Our overall strategy is to replace the antibodies that are used in conventional LFAs with computationally designed binders based on the monobody scaffold. The nanomolar (nM) affinities of most antibodies limit the sensitivity of LFAs. To circumvent this limitation, we will use de novo protein design to identify numerous monobody binders for a target malaria antigen of interest. We will then link monobodies together to generate bivalent binders for the malaria antigens. This strategy makes use of the well-known principle of avidity, in which linear improvements in binding energy yield exponential improvements in dissociation constants: both empirical evidence and simple calculations indicate that combining monobody binders with 10-100 nM KD values should yield multivalent binders with KD values in the pM regime. Importantly, this strategy is made possible by the unique ability of computational design to deliberately target multiple, distinct sites on the target protein. We will quantify the binding affinities and cross-reactivity of bivalent monobodies and confirm that they possess the properties required for use in an LFA. Finally, we will assess the performance of the resulting capture and detection reagents in prototype LFAs.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/249/en 

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY148.81, the approximate exchange rate on September 30, 2025.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of September 30, 2025)

Investments to date
Total investments: 41.0 billion yen (USD 275 million1)
Total invested projects: 141 (42 active projects and 99 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund’s investments, please visit
Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en
Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en
Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en
Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en 

For more information, contact:
Nancy Moss at +1-908-606-8940 or nmoss@burness.com
Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org