Top innovators from across the SAPMENA region to compete for a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program 

SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Top innovative startups from across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region are one step closer to win a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and year-long mentorship program. After a rigorous evaluation process by industry experts, 10 startups from the SAPMENA region have emerged as grand finalists of L’Oréal’s 2025 SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program, each offering bold, scalable and tech-driven solutions that address critical challenges in the beauty industry.

The biggest Beauty Tech open innovation competition of this geographical scale, the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program intensifies L’Oréal’s startup focus and investment in beauty innovation. During the Grand Finale in Singapore on 7 November, these 10 finalists will pitch their ideas to a distinguished judging panel of industry experts from L’Oréal, Google, Meta and Veros Ventures. These innovative startups represent some of the most promising talent from SAPMENA, a region known for its rapid growth, large population, and young, digitally-savvy consumers. 

Grand Finalists of L’Oréal’s 2025 SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program

1. Betterdata (Singapore): Betterdata offers large-scale synthetic data generation, ensuring privacy and the provision of synthetic data for analytics and model training.
2. Digital First AI (UAE): Digital First AI is a platform which supercharges marketing campaigns and maximises ROIs through proprietary AI agents and workflows.
3. Halo AI (UAE): Halo AI helps brands scale their content creator collaborations with AI-powered analysis to manage, vet and select creators.
4. Heatseeker (Australia): Heatseeker enables marketers to run live, in-market experiments with real customers using its AI-powered platform, providing rapid, quantitative evidence.
5. Infloso AI (India): Infloso AI is an ecosystem of AI tools at the convergence of technology, marketing, advertising and the creator economy, helping marketers build brands across platforms.
6. Newera Bio (Australia): Newera Bio develops bio-based dyes and binders for the cosmetic and textile sectors that significantly lower the cost and resource intensity of material dyeing while improving performance.
7. Springboards (Australia): Springboards AI is a cloud-based AI platform designed to accelerate and enhance creativity with AI-powered tools to assist creatives in research, ideation, concept validation and campaign creation.
8. Sravathi AI (India): Sravathi AI is a silico chemistry AI platform that designs and develops advanced pharma using AI, molecular modelling, biochemistry and chemical engineering.
9. Without (India): Without is a material science enterprise ethically transforming unrecyclable waste into high-quality, recyclable materials and products, creating a circular economy.
10. Wubble.ai (Singapore): Wubble.ai is the world’s first enterprise grade AI solution for businesses to create royalty-free, personalised music in seconds.

During the Grand Finale on 7 November, these teams will compete for the opportunity to work with L’Oréal in a commercial pilot with one of the Group’s 37 international brands, tap into potential exposure in 35 markets across the SAPMENA region, and embark on a year-long mentorship program with senior executives from L’Oréal and the program partners.

Lex Bradshaw-Zanger, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer for L’Oréal SAPMENA, said, “The high quality of entries for the 2025 Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program truly speaks to the exceptional creativity and ingenuity of these innovative startups in beauty tech. At L’Oréal, we know that we cannot innovate alone, and collaborating with these leading startups allows us to explore new ideas, test groundbreaking solutions and push the boundaries of beauty tech to redefine what beauty can be. Congratulations to the teams competing in the Grand Finale and I look forward to seeing their pitches in Singapore this November.”

L’Oréal is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation. Fast Company named L’Oréal in its Top 50 2024 Best Workplaces for Innovators list and winner of the Beauty and Fashion category, in recognition of its commitment to encourage and develop innovation at all levels.

About the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program in SAPMENA
The Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program is the biggest Beauty Tech open innovation competition of this geographical scale. Designed to discover, support and nurture promising startups from across the South Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa (SAPMENA) region, the competition is open to startups from countries including Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

Startups are given the opportunity to develop their pilots in Beauty Tech innovation in one of five challenge themes: Consumer Experience, Content & Media, New Commerce, Tech for Good and Science for Beauty. Top innovators crowned during four regional finals (Middle East, India, Australia & New Zealand, and Southeast Asia) advance to the SAPMENA Grand Finale on 7 November 2025. The judging panel comprises industry experts from L’Oréal, Google, Meta and Veros Ventures.

The top three Grand Finale winners will win a L’Oréal-funded commercial pilot opportunity and a year-long mentorship program with senior executives from L’Oréal and the program partners. Startups that run successful pilots in SAPMENA could gain access to L’Oréal’s global network, with the SAPMENA region acting as a launchpad to leverage valuable partnerships and market insights.

For more information, visit http://bigbang.lorealsapmena.com/.

About L’Oréal South Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone
Home to 3 billion people and 40% of the world’s population, the South Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa (SAPMENA) Zone is a major growth engine for L’Oréal and a global talent hub. The SAPMENA Zone was formed in 2021 to drive focus on consumer needs and growth in many of the world’s most populous, young and fast-growing economies. Across 13 entities and 35 markets spanning New Zealand to Morocco, the L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone is reinventing beauty experiences for our consumers through a portfolio of over 30 international brands and game-changing Beauty Tech innovations. Our business model is built on responsible and sustainable growth, with commitments which focus on three key areas – the planet, the people and our products.

About L’Oréal
For 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.

With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2024 the Group generated sales amounting to 43.48 billion euros. With 21 research centres across 13 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 8,000 Digital talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.

In 2025, L’Oréal Groupe has been named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe.

More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom

HSINCHU, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — M31 Technology Corporation (M31), a leading silicon intellectual property (IP) provider, today announced its latest Ultra-Low Leakage (ULL), Extreme Low Leakage (ELL), and Low-VDD operation memory compilers at the 2025 TSMC North America Open Innovation Platform^® (OIP) Ecosystem Forum.

Developed on TSMC’s advanced N6e platform, these compilers are optimized for ultra-low power consumption to meet the stringent requirements of AI-driven edge and IoT devices. Building on its proven low-power IP solutions for the TSMC N12e^TM process, M31 expands its portfolio with the N6e platform, offering customized memory compilers leveraging LL, ULL, and ELL SRAM bit cells. These solutions are tailored for smart home, wearable, and other edge applications that demand an optimal balance between performance and minimal power consumption.

The ULL memory compilers for the TSMC N6e process offer high-density, high-performance SRAMs and high-performance One Port Register File, featuring redundancy, power gating, scan, built-in self-test (BIST) MUX, and wide-range dual-rail support enabling dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS). The high-sigma design methodology ensures robust operation under optimized margin conditions. M31’s ELL memory compilers on the TSMC N6e process further improve power efficiency, offering 50% power reduction in deep sleep mode, targeting designs with more stringent power and footprint constraints without compromising much on speed or customization flexibility. Low-VDD memory compilers could operate in 0.5V to provide extremely low power consumption, not only in dynamic power but also in leakage power. Together, these three types of memory compilers provide a versatile portfolio tailored to meet diverse design requirements across the TSMC N6e platform.

Additionally, M31 is deeply honored to receive the 2025 TSMC OIP Partner of the Year Award in the category of Specialty Process IP, marking its eighth consecutive year of earning this prestigious recognition. This consistent achievement underscores M31’s outstanding contributions and close collaboration within the TSMC Open Innovation Platform^® (OIP) ecosystem, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted leader in silicon IP innovation. Scott Chang, M31 CEO, remarked, “M31’s long-standing partnership with TSMC is the cornerstone of our innovation. From the N12e Low-VDD solutions to the latest N6e ULL, ELL and Low-VDD memory compilers, we continue to deliver leading-edge IP that accelerates silicon success for AIoT and edge applications. We look forward to working even more closely with TSMC and the OIP ecosystem partners to drive the future of AI-powered technologies.”

BEIJING, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On September 25th, Waterdrop Inc. released its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report (hereinafter “the Report”), which offers an in-depth overview of the Company’s progress and initiatives in corporate governance, technology innovation, product responsibility, talent development, environmental protection, and sustainable ecosystem development. The Company maintained its ESG rating at A level, underscoring its ESG progress at the forefront of the industry.

The Report highlights that Waterdrop Inc. has sustained its focus on AI innovation, with more than 100 related patents to further improve user experience with its products. At the same time, the Company has strengthened its commitment to public welfare, with initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, rural revitalization, educational support, and disaster relief, aiming to drive positive social change.

Peng Shen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waterdrop Inc., emphasized: “As a company guided by mission and values, we define success not just in terms of short-term financial gains, but by our capacity to foster a harmonious integration of environmental, social, and governance priorities. At the same time, sustainability management remains at the heart of our corporate strategy and is deeply embedded in every aspect of our operations.”

Digging into AI Innovation with Over 100 Related Patents

Waterdrop Inc., a pioneer in China’s insurance technology sector, has been exploring the application of artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in insurance supply since 2019. Leveraging its leading R&D capabilities and focusing on business priorities such as user needs and operational efficiency, the Company developed the “Waterdrop Guardian” large language model (LLM) , which has obtained algorithm registration with the Cyberspace Administration of China in 2024 and obtained multiple patents related to LLM development. By the end of 2024, the Company had filled a total of 48 patent applications related to LLM, with more than 100 authorized patents in the field of artificial intelligence. The Report reveals that in 2024, Waterdrop Inc. strengthened its commitment to sci-tech innovation, investing RMB 217 million in R&D.

According to the Report, the “Waterdrop Guardian” LLM equips insurance brokers and users with professional, accurate, and accessible advice, driving greater empowerment and efficiency across the insurance value chain. The “Waterdrop Guardian AI Insurance Expert” can engage in natural conversations lasting up to 50 minutes, interpret over 7,000 insurance products, and respond to more than 10,000 health insurance queries—delivering comprehensive, high-quality, end-to-end insurance services to users.

At the same time, Waterdrop Inc. has broadened its focus to address the diverse protection needs of seniors, women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The Company has rolled out a range of inclusive products—including “Jiehaoyun” and “Disability Insurance”—aimed at enhancing innovation, accessibility, and inclusiveness in insurance products. In 2024, Waterdrop Inc. launched 174 inclusive insurance products in total, with claims under pre-existing medical condition policies amounting to RMB 38.128 million.

Strengthening Role in Multi-level Medical Protection System, with Cumulative Relief Funding Exceeding RMB 50 Million

On December 25, 2024, Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding was officially designated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs as Online Personal Help-seeking Service Platforms, signaling a new phase of healthier and more standardized industry development. By the end of 2024, the platform had raised RMB 67.5 billion in donations from 470 million contributors, providing critical support to 3.4 million patients with severe illnesses. To enhance transparency, Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding also introduced a public reporting mechanism that encourages citizens to participate in oversight, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

The Report further notes that since 2021, Waterdrop Inc. has collaborated with local Healthcare Security Bureau and Civil Affairs Authorities in regions such as Jinyun (Zhejiang), Hainan, and Guangzhou to strengthen the coordination of government and social assistance. By the end of 2024, “Jin Qing Bang” medical poverty-prevention application in Jinyun supported 632 patients and mobilized RMB 13.88 million in social contributions, while “Hai Hui Bang” multi-level medical assistance information platform in Hainan aided 1,929 patients with total relief exceeding RMB 39 million. By leveraging its internet-based platforms and technological strengths, Waterdrop is playing an increasingly important role in China’s multi-level medical protection system—easing the financial burden of patients with severe illnesses and serving as a valuable complement to the national social assistance and healthcare systems.

Expanding Support to Vulnerable Groups, Providing Rural Medical Clinic Access to Over 500 Thousand Beneficiaries

As one of China’s leading insurance technology and healthcare platforms, Waterdrop Inc. remains committed to its mission of “We at Waterdrop aspire to bring insurance and healthcare service to billions through technology,” integrating social responsibility into the heart of its corporate strategy. Over the years, the Company has built a comprehensive service ecosystem spanning insurance coverage, critical illness fundraising, and pharmaceutical innovation. The Report highlights Waterdrop Inc.’s strong commitment to social welfare, with initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, rural revitalization, education, and disaster relief to help tackle pressing social issues. The year also saw the construction of 30 new rural medical clinics, increasing the total to 167 medical clinics nationwide, collectively serving more than 500 thousand beneficiaries.

Notably, the Report includes, for the first time, disclosure of Scope 1–3 greenhouse gas emissions, as well as data on energy use and waste management. Waterdrop Inc. reported operational greenhouse gas emissions of 402.22 tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2024—a 33.32% year-on-year reduction. This milestone reflects a significant step in the Company’s efforts to combat climate change and enhance the precision of its environmental data management.

Professor Yi Guo, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Social Responsibility and Sustainability of the Chinese Institute of Business Administration and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Beijing Technology and Business University, commended on the Report. He stated: “Waterdrop’s ESG Report is comprehensive, with detailed data and well-illustrated presentation, aligning with the expectations of the Company’s stakeholders. It effectively demonstrates the requirements of ESG disclosure in terms of reliability, relevance, verifiability, comprehensibility, timeliness, and consistency.”

Dr. Jianzhong Lyu, former Board Member of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Deputy Director of Sustainability Committee, China Management Science Society remarked: “Beyond the three pillars of ESG, the Report dedicates extensive discussion to Waterdrop’s achievements in technological innovation and ecosystem development, underscoring the organic integration of its sustainable business strategy with its commitment to social responsibility.”

SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asia Pacific is emerging as the global epicentre of texture-led food innovation, according to new findings released by Kerry, the world’s leading taste and nutrition company. With 54% of APAC consumers actively seeking new or interesting textures, well above Europe’s 37%, crunch has moved from novelty to necessity in the region’s meat market¹.

In a region celebrated for its diverse culinary traditions, texture has become a key differentiator. “Crunchy” and “crispy” are now among the top five claims on new meat and poultry launches in Asia, underscoring the growing demand for multi-sensory food experiences.

“Texture is no longer just a side note, it’s central to consumer satisfaction,” said Dimitrios Tzouvelekis, General Manager of Meat Technology, Kerry Asia Pacific. “Crunch delivers both enjoyment and comfort food pleasure, making it one of the most powerful elements for innovation in today’s marketplace.”

In APAC, meat coatings and textures are undergoing a renaissance. While traditional breaded and battered formats remain popular, there is a surge in experimentation with glazes, sauces, flakes, and toppings that deliver not only crunch but also visual intrigue. Coating systems such as predusts, batters, and breaders are being reformulated to improve delivery and holding time, ensuring that the crunch factor survives the journey from kitchen to consumer.

The region’s appetite for layered sensory experiences is fuelling bold flavour-texture combinations. From Japan’s spicy miso glazes to China’s mala-seasoned fried chicken, the pairing of strong flavours with palate-pleasing textures is driving rapid growth.

Kerry’s 2025 Taste Charts highlight hot honey and pepper glazes as rising stars, offering sticky finishes that enhance crispy coatings. Seaweed flakes are also trending, adding both umami richness and a striking visual pop, in line with APAC’s “hyper visual” food culture.

Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are borrowing from street food traditions to capture the crunch factor. KFC Taiwan’s Scallion Crispy Chicken and McDonald’s Singapore’s Ha Cheong Gai burger are examples of how heritage street snacks are being reimagined for mainstream audiences.

“These products resonate because they connect nostalgia with novelty,” said Simon Hague, General Manager of Food Service Chains, Kerry Southeast Asia. “Texture is becoming the bridge between tradition and trend.”

The psychology of crunch extends beyond taste. Nielsen data shows that 33% of Chinese and 29% of South Korean consumers associate sound with food quality, far exceeding global averages. This is attributed to “audio-visual saturation” in the digital era: High-crunch and super-chewy foods give consumers a sensory reset, balancing overstimulation from daily screen time, according to futurist and strategist Angelia Teo.

“Manufacturers and QSRs must design for texture from the very start; considering how it performs during cooking and delivery, how it pairs with flavours, and how it aligns with health and clean label expectations,” added Tzouvelekis.

“As APAC leads the global charge in texture-driven innovation, Kerry is proud to help brands deliver meat experiences that are not only delicious, but tactile, audible, and emotionally satisfying.”

BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Central Pattana’s latest world-class mixed-use development, Central Park, has recently opened in the heart of Bangkok and is already drawing global attention as the city’s newest landmark. The destination is rapidly becoming a focal point for urban life, seamlessly blending nature, culture, dining, and commerce into one integrated precinct.

Anchored by the 2.8-acre Roof Park, Central Park redefines urban placemaking in Asia by merging indoor and outdoor experiences and setting a new benchmark for experiential retail, culinary excellence, and sustainable urban design. The development elevates Bangkok’s skyline while positioning the Thai capital more firmly among the world’s most liveable metropolises.

At its heart, the Roof Park extends the lush greenery of Lumpini Park into the city skyline as an elevated urban oasis. It offers panoramic 180-degree views, a 750-meter walking trail, an open-air amphitheatre, family- and pet-friendly zones, and curated lifestyle programming — a bold integration of park life and urban life that serves as Bangkok’s new community heart and a showcase of Thailand’s future-forward design.

Central Park has also swiftly emerged as Asia’s newest culinary landmark. Under the concept “Here for All of You”, it brings together legendary international debuts, exclusive new concepts, and global brands. Since opening, it has drawn strong public interest and steady crowds, with the Parkside Market — featuring Bangkok’s largest collection of Michelin Guide eateries and 70 street food legends—becoming one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations and a must-visit for international visitors.

The retail precinct will also feature a dynamic lineup of high-street and bridge-line brands, complemented by a world-class sports destination. Many first-in-Thailand debuts are expected, further establishing Central Park as a global lifestyle hub where retail is reimagined as a platform for social connection, not just commerce.

Part of the USD 1.25 billion Dusit Central Park project, the precinct integrates the Central Park shopping centre, Central Park Offices, Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel, Dusit Residences, and Dusit Parkside. Designed under the philosophy “Design for the Future with Respect for Legacy”, the project harmonizes Bangkok’s heritage with forward-looking architecture, anchoring the city’s global identity while shaping its next chapter.

With 25 million visitors expected annually and year-round cultural and lifestyle events, Central Park is poised to become a world-class placemaking landmark — symbolizing Bangkok’s transformation into a modern, liveable, globally celebrated metropolis.