Laos has formally joined the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, signaling its commitment to global cooperation in combating cyber threats and advancing its digital transformation agenda.
Laos Signs UN Cybercrime Convention to Boost Digital Security
AIA Hong Kong leads in “number of new business policies” for 11 consecutive years
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2025 – AIA Hong Kong (AIA) has once again led across key market metrics in the latest provisional statistics on Hong Kong’s long-term insurance business for the first half of 2025*. Notably, AIA has retained its No.1 position in number of new business policies for 11 consecutive years**— a clear reflection of customers’ enduring trust.
AIA Hong Kong together with Blue Cross were honoured with the highest number of Top-3 Finalist Awards — winning a total of 12 accolades, including 3 Grand Awards. Pictured here is Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau.
Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, “Thanks to our customers’ trust, AIA has led in number of new business policies for 11 consecutive years. This leadership means that when people seek protection for their future and loved ones, AIA remains their top choice because our health and wealth solutions, along with services beyond traditional insurance, truly stand out. What matters most to AIA is helping every customer prepare for the future and care for their loved ones, moving forward with confidence towards Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, while serving diverse customer needs across different coverage sizes. With the trust customers places in us, AIA will continue serving our customers and communities with unwavering commitment to helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Meanwhile, at the award ceremony of the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025 organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers on the evening of 23 October, AIA together with Blue Cross were honoured with the highest number of Top-3 Finalist Awards — winning a total of 12 accolades, including 3 Grand Awards.
| AIA | 3 Grand Awards:
7 Top-3 Finalist Recognitions:
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| Blue Cross | 2 Top-3 Finalist Recognitions:
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Notes:
* Source: The latest provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business from January to June 2025.
** Based on statistics from Insurance Authority released since 2014 – Provisional statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long-term insurance business.
Hashtag: #友邦香港 #AIA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIA Hong Kong & Macau
AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.
1 As at 30 June 2025
2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance, and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)
ADDX Partners with Global Real Estate Investment Manager Hines to Broaden Access to Quality Real Estate Opportunities
SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ADDX today announced a partnership with Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager. The collaboration brings together Hines’ experience in investing in, developing, and managing some of the world’s best real estate with ADDX’s digital platform, uniting investment management excellence with modern financial infrastructure to broaden access and expand opportunities in private markets.
The partnership comes at a time when the private real estate market is supported by secular tailwinds. Structural themes such as urbanisation, demographic shifts, and the rising demand for modern logistics, data centres, and sustainable living solutions continue to underpin the asset class. Private real estate offers investors both the potential for long-term capital appreciation through asset value growth and consistent income generation from underlying leases.
According to research by Hines, historical data reinforces a strong correlation between global property rents and inflation. A strategic allocation to geographically diversified global real estate assets could provide portfolios with the potential for capital appreciation, inflation hedging, income distributions, and downside risk mitigation resulting from a lower level of volatility.
Amid a period of recalibration following years of higher interest rates, experienced operator-led managers like Hines are well positioned to navigate these dynamics and identify opportunities grounded in enduring real economic value.
“Partnering with a time-tested manager like Hines reinforces our focus on working with firms that share our dedication to disciplined investing and responsible access to private markets,” said Inmoo Hwang, Group Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of ADDX. “Hines embodies the calibre of real estate expertise and disciplined management that aligns with our commitment to offering investors access to quality partners.”
Founded in 1957, Hines manages more than USD 90 billion in assets globally and is recognised for its vertically integrated, operator-led model, combining on-the-ground execution with disciplined investment management across property types and geographies.
“Asia is a key growth region for our private wealth business, and we’re excited to expand Hines’ investment opportunities here, giving individual investors access to institutional-quality global real estate,” said Paul Ferraro, Global Head of Private Wealth at Hines. “Building on Hines’ extensive experience in the U.S. private wealth market, we’re strategically broadening our platform to serve investors across global markets. As demand from Asian investors for greater diversification continues to grow, platforms like ADDX help us connect with this dynamic base and make global real estate more accessible.”
The partnership reflects ADDX’s broader mission to democratise participation in private markets through regulated technology, while upholding a strong commitment to quality. By working with established global institutions such as Hines, ADDX continues to expand its ecosystem of trusted partners and shelf of alternative investment opportunities.
About ADDX
ADDX is an investment platform headquartered in Singapore that provides accredited investors with access to private markets, alternatives, and differentiated opportunities to help them diversify and grow their wealth, all at lower minimums. With ADDX, investors can access high-quality investments across private equity, private credit, private real estate, hedge funds, structured products, cash alternatives, fixed income, and more, using a convenient and user-friendly app and web platform. The platform uses digital securities and tokenisation technology to fractionalise investments, making traditionally institutional-grade opportunities more accessible.
ADDX has raised a total of US$140 million in funding since its inception in 2017. Its shareholders include Singapore Exchange (SGX), the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Temasek subsidiary Heliconia Capital, the Development Bank of Japan, UOB, Hamilton Lane, Tokai Tokyo Financial Holdings and KB Securities, a subsidiary of Korea’s largest banking group KB Financial Group.
ADDX has been approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a recognised market operator. It also has a capital markets services license to deal in securities and collective investment schemes as well as to provide custodial services. ADDX serves accredited investors from more than 50 countries spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas (except the US), alongside wealth managers, family offices and corporate investors. For more information, visit ADDX.co or https://www.linkedin.com/company/addxco.
About Hines
Hines is a leading global real estate investment manager. It owns and operates $91.8 billion[1] of assets across property types and on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private wealth clients. Every day, its 4,600 employees in 30 countries draw on its 68-year history to build the world forward by investing in, developing, and managing some of the world’s best real estate. To learn more, visit www.hines.com and follow @Hines on social media.
[1]Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of June 30, 2025.
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This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or investment products. Investments in private market strategies involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Offerings on the ADDX platform are available only to accredited investors, as defined under applicable laws and regulations in relevant jurisdictions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own due diligence or consult with a professional adviser before making any investment decisions. |
KLN Named Exclusive Distributor for Siemens Healthineers
Point-of-Care Testing Solutions in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KLN Logistics Group Limited (‘KLN’; Stock Code 0636.HK) announces a strategic partnership between its healthcare subsidiary, KLN Medical Limited (‘KLN Medical’), and global medical technology leader Siemens Healthineers AG (Stock Code SHL.DE). KLN Medical will serve as the exclusive distributor for Siemens Healthineers’ Point-of-Care Testing products in Hong Kong.
This partnership marks a major milestone for KLN Medical as it expands in life sciences sector. KLN Medical will provide end-to-end agency and distribution services for Siemens Healthineers’ diagnostic portfolio, with a strong focus on professional sales and marketing outreach to hospitals and healthcare providers. Its in-house engineering team will deliver maintenance and repair services to ensure optimal device performance and minimise service disruptions. These capabilities are supported by GDP-compliant logistics, warehousing, and inventory management that uphold the highest standards of medical supply chain excellence.
KLN Medical will distribute these solutions across major hospitals, laboratories, clinics, rehabilitation outlets, and healthcare providers throughout Hong Kong, ensuring Siemens Healthineers’ technologies are accessible and fully supported throughout their lifecycle to maximise clinical value and reliability.
Samuel Lau, Managing Director – Integrated Logistics of KLN, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Siemens Healthineers, a global leader in diagnostic innovation. This partnership reflects KLN’s commitment to resilient, patient-centric care by ensuring timely access to reliable diagnostics and full-spectrum support.”
In addition to logistics and technical services, KLN Medical will support local marketing, product training, and clinical outreach to enhance engagement with frontline healthcare providers.
Mike Yuen, Head of Hong Kong of Siemens Healthineers, said, “KLN Medical’s strengths in commercial and technical support make them an ideal partner for our expansion in Hong Kong. Together, we will ensure our innovations reach patients and clinicians with excellence and efficiency.”
Siemens Healthineers’ diagnostic solutions are widely used across Hong Kong’s healthcare system, particularly in operating theatres, ICUs, emergency departments, and cardiology units. For example, Queen Mary Hospital’s nationally certified Chest Pain Centre uses Siemens Healthineers’ systems to reduce time-to-treatment for acute chest pain, demonstrating the clinical impact of rapid diagnostics.
This collaboration reinforces KLN Medical’s role as a key enabler in Hong Kong’s medical diagnostics landscape and supports its long-term vision of a more efficient, responsive, and patient-centric healthcare system.
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About KLN Logistics Group Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)
KLN (formerly Kerry Logistics Network Limited) is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and extensive coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal) and e-commerce to industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment.
With a global presence across 58 countries and territories, KLN has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Chinese Mainland, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.
KLN generated a revenue* of close to HK$60 billion in 2024. It is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.
* For continuing operations only
About KLN Medical Limited
KLN Medical is dedicated to advancing healthcare in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia by delivering innovative medical technologies that improve patient outcomes. In collaboration with world-renowned partners, KLN Medical ensures that healthcare professionals have access to the latest advancements, driving excellence across the continuum of care. As a member of the KLN Group, KLN Medical focuses on the reliable distribution of high-quality medical devices and solutions. Its multidisciplinary team brings deep expertise across key areas including cardiovascular care, rehabilitation, hospital and clinic support, engineering, marketing, business development, regulatory affairs and quality assurance, customer service, and operations. Website: www.medical.kln.com
About Siemens Healthineers AG
Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2024, which ended on 30 September 2024, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €22.4 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com
NEC Shapes the Future of Digital Finance at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025
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SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC returns to this year’s Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF 2025), marking the event’s 10th anniversary with innovations that empower secure, connected, and intelligent financial ecosystems. SFF is the largest global fintech event and will run from 12–14 November at Singapore Expo, Hall 3. See NEC’s innovative solutions at Booth #3J31 and meet the team behind the tech.
NEC’s solutions evolve alongside customer needs, delivering capabilities that are globally trusted. From identity and insights to platforms and security, NEC’s technologies converge to drive both continuity and transformation, shaping the future of finance at SFF 2025.
Michio Kotegawa, Senior Vice President, Head of Financial Solutions Business Unit & Digital Financial Solutions & Innovation at NEC Asia Pacific, shared, “Finance is entering a new era where identity, insights, platforms, and security must work as one. At NEC, we are proud to bring proven solutions to ASEAN, empowering financial institutions to create what’s ahead for digital finance.”
What to Expect at NEC’s Booth #3J31
Face Payment (Digital ID as a Service)
Experience the future of checkout with NEC’s world-leading facial recognition. Payments are completed within seconds – secure, cashless, and cardless. Beyond speed, Face Payment reduces manpower needs, eliminates paper processes, and enhances operational efficiency. Try it at our coffee bar demo: register once and enjoy a complimentary coffee simply by scanning your face. More than a demo, this showcases how NEC co-creates with partners to elevate the payment journey.
NEC Financial Insights & Supply Chain Platform in the CFO’s Corner
CFOs are no longer just financial stewards – they are strategic leaders driving growth and resilience. NEC, in partnership with TASConnect, delivers a platform that provides:
- Real-time visibility across KPIs and liquidity
- Predictive analytics for smarter planning
- Multi-bank integration to streamline working capital
- Embedded supply chain financing (now powered by Agentic AI) to unlock trapped liquidity
- ESG-aligned financing to build sustainable value chains
Together, these capabilities enable CFOs to accelerate cash conversion cycles, reduce risk, and build resilience in a volatile environment.
Front-to-back software solutions from Avaloq, an NEC company
A Swiss premium front-to-back software and services provider with more than 40 years of innovation, Avaloq is trusted by more than 170 institutions in 35 countries. Its SaaS and BPaaS delivery models enable rapid scaling, cost reduction, and regulatory compliance. By automating back-office processes and equipping relationship managers with intuitive digital tools, Avaloq empowers banks to deliver seamless, personalised, and digital-first experiences for affluent and next-generation investors.
Cyber Intelligence & Operation Center
In digital finance, trust depends on resilience. NEC’s Cyber Intelligence & Operation Center combines decades of expertise in AI, and cybersecurity to provide 24/7 monitoring, AI-driven threat detection, and coordinated incident response. It ensures critical financial ecosystems remain secure, compliant, and operational, even amid evolving global threat.
Fireside Chats: Conversations That Matter
Beyond live demos, NEC will host a series of fireside chats with industry leaders, partners, and customers throughout SFF 2025. These conversations will explore emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and strategies for building future-ready financial ecosystems. See NEC’s schedule below to help plan your activities:
12 November
11.00am – 11.30am
Wealth insights 2025 for Asia and the Middle East
Know more about the emerging trends, evolving client expectations, and strategic opportunities that are shaping the future of wealth management across Asia and the Middle East.
3.00pm – 3.30pm
Intelligence in Motion – Agentic AI & the Future of Supply Chain Finance
Explore how Agentic AI is transforming supply chain financing, driving predictive liquidity management and decentralized trade ecosystems; and unlocking new efficiencies, trust models and regional growth.
13 November
11.00am – 11.30am
Redefining Financial Innovation: The Power of Strategic Partnerships
Understand how partnerships between financial institutions and technology-driven ventures are not just reshaping supply chain financing, but also setting new benchmarks for agility, customer-centricity, and digital transformation.
2.00pm – 2.30pm
Banking Operations: AI-driven transformation in the back office
Discover how AI is revolutionising back-office operations by driving greater efficiency, accuracy, and scalability in today’s modern banking environments.
Join NEC at SFF 2025
Singapore Expo, Hall 3 — Booth #3J31
12–14 November 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book a private demo through sg_marketing@nec.com.sg and meet the NEC team. Visitors who book and attend will receive a special gift and a complimentary coffee after trying the Face Payment experience.
About NEC
NEC Asia Pacific leads in propelling Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives, integrating trusted technology with social responsibility. As a leading information and communications technology provider, NEC APAC is creating what’s ahead with innovative solutions through AI, analytics, data, digital services, enterprise infrastructure, and Managed Services to promote safety, security, and enhance the quality of life for individuals and the community.
NEC APAC’s technological advancements, dedicated to privacy and ethical usage, solidify trust among businesses and citizens. Together with NEC’s research laboratories, NEC APAC provides cutting-edge public safety, cybersecurity technologies, and enterprise solutions to enable smart and sustainable cities, with a vision to create a brighter future.
For more information and to learn more about NEC APAC’s innovative solutions, visit https://sg.nec.com/.
Collinson International and Sompo launch Sompo Smart Delay in Singapore, Mainland China and Malaysia
Regional expanded partnership brings stress-free flight delay benefits to three new Asia Pacific (APAC) markets, offering Sompo travel insurance policyholders access to more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences in the event of flight delays.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Collinson International, a global leader in the provision of airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement solutions, and owner and operator of SmartDelayTM, today announced the regional expansion of its strategic partnership with leading insurance provider, Sompo, to launch Sompo Smart Delay in three new markets in APAC: Singapore, mainland China and Malaysia.
Building on their successful collaboration in Thailand, this partnership provides single and annual trip policyholders of selected Sompo travel insurance plans instant access to more than 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences during flight delays; transforming stressful travel disruptions into more comfortable experiences.
Eligible policyholders simply register their flights at least two hours (for customers in Singapore) or three hours (for customers in Malaysia and mainland China) ahead of the scheduled departure time to enjoy the benefit.[1] In the event of a flight delay, policyholders will immediately receive a digital access voucher, through which they can easily redeem their real-time travel benefit. Sompo Smart Delay provides instant access to an airport lounge or an alternative travel experience such as a spa session, sleep pod visit or restaurant discount in the airport, without the need to complete a claim form.
This expanded collaboration comes at a time when flight disruptions are increasingly prevalent as travel continues to experience robust growth. Recent flight delay statistics revealed that 54 million travellers in APAC were affected by delays exceeding one hour during the first half of 2025[2]. According to Collinson International’s latest report, Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected, access to airport lounges and other premium services is central to today’s airport experience, with 80% of travellers in APAC having visited a lounge at least once. By transforming flight delays into less stressful experiences, the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to prioritising traveller well-being.
“Building on our successful partnership in Thailand, we’re pleased to extend our collaboration with Sompo to Singapore, mainland China and Malaysia – markets in which travel is one of the highest spend categories among consumers” said Todd Handcock, Chief Commercial Officer and APAC Executive Chair at Collinson International. “As lounge access and premium services become increasingly important to travellers, particularly in the event of a flight delay, this expansion underscores our shared commitment to elevating the travel experience across APAC – providing reassurance and peace of mind when it’s most needed.”
“We’re excited to launch the Sompo Smart Delay benefit to three more markets as we accelerate our focus on delivering innovative travel products across the region through this partnership with Collinson International,” said Bill Zhang, President of Consumer Lines, APAC, Sompo. “Leveraging Collinson International’s extensive portfolio of airport lounges and travel network, combined with our deep understanding and insights of the consumer trends and behaviours across APAC, this new feature will enhance the travel experience and reinforce our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”
For more information on Sompo Smart Delay, please click here.
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[1] Terms and conditions apply and are subject to the insurance coverage provided by Sompo |
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[2] Data from Cirium, as of June 2025. |
Note to Editors
Sompo Smart Delay is now available via Sompo travel insurance for policyholders in Singapore, mainland China, and Malaysia.
- In Singapore, under all Sompo Travel Insurance plans, single-trip and annual-trip policyholders departing from and arriving to Singapore can enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges and travel experiences when their flight is delayed by one hour.
- In Malaysia, under Sompo TravelSafe+ “Plan Elite A”, single-trip and annual-trip policyholders departing from and arriving to Malaysia can enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges and travel experiences when their flight is delayed by one hour. Sompo Travel Safe+ “Plan Elite B” will receive this benefit for delays of two hours or more.
- In mainland China, under Sompo TravelJoy, single-trip policyholders departing from and arriving to mainland China can enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges and travel experiences when their flight is delayed by two hours or more.
About Collinson International
Collinson International is the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence.
We work with the world’s leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines and 20 hotel groups worldwide. We deliver market-leading airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement, and insurance solutions for over 400 million end consumers.
Collinson International is the operator of Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme. Travellers can access a network of over 1,800 lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in 841 airports in 146 countries, helping to elevate the journey into something special.
Collinson International’s flight disruption assistance product, SmartDelayTM, gives airline passengers, who have registered their flight, access to an airport lounge or alternative benefit in case of a flight delay or cancellation.
About Sompo
We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 135 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 9,500 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.
“Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
To learn more please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-asia.com.
Silk Road Week Wraps in Brazil, Marking Its First South American Finale
From museum collaborations to design showcases, events in São Paulo and Foz do Iguaçu underscore shared heritage.
HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Silk Road Week, a global cultural initiative celebrating the spirit of exchange and cooperation along the ancient Silk Road, successfully concluded in Brazil, marking the event’s first-ever finale in South America. The closing activities took place in the twin cities of São Paulo and Foz do Iguaçu, featuring a series of exhibitions, demonstrations, and academic dialogues that highlighted the enduring vitality of silk culture and the deepening partnership between China and Brazil.
Chinese costume fashion show during the exhibition
A Landmark Celebration in São Paulo
The São Paulo segment of the closing program centered around three major events — the exhibition “Silk Connects Mountains and Seas: From China to Brazil“, the demonstration “Beyond the Mulberry Fields: China Sericulture Intangible Cultural Heritages,” and the symposium “Sino-Brazilian Academic Dialogue: Museums Promoting Sustainable Development of Cultural Heritage.”
The opening ceremony and exhibition inauguration were held at the Museum of Immigration of the State of São Paulo, bringing together distinguished guests from both countries, including representatives from the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, the China National Silk Museum, the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in São Paulo, and local museum and cultural institutions.
Prior to the official opening, around 50 primary school students from São Paulo participated in hands-on workshops led by the China National Silk Museum. The activities — gilded fan printing and traditional loom weaving — introduced children to the artistry of Chinese sericulture and the timeless beauty of silk craftsmanship. The event provided a vivid and playful bridge between young audiences and traditional culture.
“Silk Road Week”: A Global Platform for Cultural Exchange
Initiated by National Cultural Heritage Administration of China and Zhejiang Provincial Government, Silk Road Week has been held annually for five consecutive years. It serves as a global platform to promote cultural dialogue, museum cooperation, and shared values of mutual understanding along the Silk Road.
In 2025, Brazil was selected as the Guest Country of Honor, marking a milestone in China–Latin America cultural collaboration. The Brazil events were designed as the concluding chapter of the year’s global Silk Road Week program, with a particular focus on exhibitions and creative engagements that illustrate the living legacy of silk.
“Silk Connects Mountains and Seas”: A Bridge Between Civilizations
Jointly curated by the China National Silk Museum and the Museum of Immigration of São Paulo, “Silk Connects Mountains and Seas: From China to Brazil” is one of the first projects under China’s “Bridges of Civilization” Initiative launched by the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China.
The exhibition traces silk’s journey from ancient China to the Americas, showcasing its dual role as a cultural symbol and a medium of exchange. Through authentic artifacts, immersive design, and interactive programming, it demonstrates how silk has woven connections among peoples, ideas, and artistic traditions across time and space. The display also features contributions from Huzhou, a city renowned for its silk heritage.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at the Museum of Immigration till March, 2026, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the shared heritage of silk through engaging displays and multimedia experiences.
Extending the Celebration to Foz do Iguaçu
Following the events in São Paulo, the celebration continued in Foz do Iguaçu, located in Brazil’s southern Paraná State — a global hub of hydroelectric innovation and a member of the Silk Road Cities Alliance.
The Foz do Iguaçu program featured the “Splendors of Silk: Chinese Silk Art” exhibition, as well as the “Sino-Brazilian Fashion Art Appointment: Silk Road Heritage Innovation Design Fashion Show.” These events were jointly organized by the China National Silk Museum and the Municipal Government of Foz do Iguaçu, underscoring the dynamic intersection of tradition, creativity, and sustainability.
The city’s participation reflects the broader partnership between Zhejiang Province and Paraná State, which have maintained a sister-province relationship fostering cultural and economic cooperation. During the event, the China National Silk Museum and the Municipal Government of Foz do Iguaçu signed a three-year cooperation agreement to develop a “Overseas Gallery of CNSM” in the city, marking a new chapter of long-term collaboration.
Leveraging Foz do Iguaçu’s global reputation as a tourism and cultural destination, both sides will co-host future initiatives integrating heritage, fashion, and innovation — beginning with the Silk Road Heritage Innovative Design Fashion Show, which reimagines traditional silk in the language of contemporary design.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The successful conclusion of the 2025 Silk Road Week in Brazil not only celebrated the shared legacy of the Silk Road but also reaffirmed a forward-looking vision of cultural sustainability. Through exhibitions, academic exchange, and community engagement, the events reflected how museums and cultural institutions can act as catalysts for dialogue and cooperation between nations.
As the Silk Road Week continues to evolve, its mission remains constant — to connect civilizations through mutual learning and creative exchange. The 2025 edition’s culmination in Brazil has vividly demonstrated how silk, once a symbol of trade and beauty, continues to serve as a thread binding cultures together across mountains and seas.
CSL Honoured as Overall Winner of the 2025 Facility of the Year Awards by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
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Setting new standards in responsible innovation, CSL’s Broadmeadows facility blends Pharma 4.0™ principles with sustainable design to transform plasma manufacturing
BROADMEADOWS, AUSTRALIA, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CSL‘s base fractionation facility in Broadmeadows, Australia has been recognised as the Overall Winner of the 2025 Facility of the Year Award (FOYA) by the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
Setting new standards in responsible innovation, CSL’s Broadmeadows facility blends Pharma 4.0™ principles with sustainable design to transform plasma manufacturing.
Purpose-built to optimise the production of plasma-derived therapies for conditions such as immunodeficiencies, neurological disorders, and burns, the Broadmeadows facility combines cutting-edge technologies with a pioneering hybrid manufacturing platform. Key features include advanced automation, real-time production monitoring, robotics, and digital twin infrastructure that enable flexible multi-process manufacturing, fully paperless execution and continuous improvement. Its modular design ensures scalability and long-term adaptability.
These advancements have increased plasma processing capacity nine-fold – enabling the facility to handle over 10 million litres annually – while boosting efficiency and yield, which enables CSL to impact the lives of more patients globally.
“This prestigious award underscores CSL’s unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability, and positions the Broadmeadows facility as a global benchmark in next-generation biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The Facility of the Year Award is a tribute to the dedication and collaboration of our entire team – across functions and continents,” emphasised Andrew Hodder, VP Manufacturing and Site Head at Broadmeadows.
The facility’s sustainable infrastructure plays a vital role in advancing CSL’s commitment to responsible innovation and long-term impact, with innovations such as reusable filters, energy-efficient systems, and a fully automated warehouse powered by robotic vehicles for seamless material handling. “By combining automation, digital innovation, and sustainable design, we’ve built a future-ready facility that not only meets the highest standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing but also sets a new benchmark for responsible innovation”, underlined Jeffrey Ball, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for EHS, Strategy & Engineering.
This recognition builds on the facility’s earlier achievement in May 2025, when it received the ISPE FOYA award in the Pharma 4.0™ category for its advanced use of digital technologies and automation to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing.
About CSL
CSL (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY) is a leading global biopharma company with a dynamic portfolio of lifesaving medicines, including those that treat haemophilia and immune deficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies in iron deficiency, dialysis and nephrology. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL – including our three businesses, CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor – provides lifesaving products to patients in more than 100 countries and employs 29,000+ people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit CSL.com/Vita
For more information about CSL, visit CSL.com.
Media Contact
In Australia
Jeff Spicer
Mobile: +6 1410974799
Email: Jeff.Spicer@csl.com.au
In Europe
Pia Amend
Mobile: +49 151 25235305
Email: Pia.Amend@cslbehring.com
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