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Integration, Innovation, and Shared Growth on the World Stage in Suzhou, Jiangsu

SUZHOU, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news release from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, P. R. China: The 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo concluded in Suzhou, Jiangsu, showcasing the charm of the Grand Canal as a living world intangible cultural heritage and a driver of cultural innovation. Building on the effective practices of its previous six editions, this year’s Expo continued under the theme “Integration • Innovation • Sharing”, delivering a three-day celebration that blended online and offline engagement, and in-hall and outdoor experiences.

The event unveiled five major themed exhibitions, and together, they attracted 912 exhibitors from 76 cities across 12 provinces in China and 35 countries and regions worldwide, marking a nearly 40% increase from last year. With 65% of exhibitors from outside Jiangsu province, the Expo underscored its growing global appeal.

To expand its global dialogue, this year’s Expo once again featured the “The Encounter of Silk Road and Canal” exhibition. For the first time, it achieved representation from every continent, with 130 organizations and enterprises from 35 countries and regions.

One of the highlights was the debut of China’s first museum-originated VR immersive experience—”Canal Wonderland,” brought by the China Grand Canal Museum in Yangzhou. Using cinematic-level visuals, VR technology, and interactive game mechanics, it transported visitors into the world of canal engineering marvels, bustling trade fleets, and the mythical “Thousand Bridge Illusion.”

The Canal Food Culture Exhibition offered visitors a feast for the senses, combining online and offline experiences with exhibition. Featuring regional signature dishes, intangible cultural heritage food brands, and specialty ingredients, the booths from different cities along the Grand Canal brought together renowned chefs and intangible cultural heritage artisans for live cooking shows and craft demos.

Visitors could taste, buy, and learn simultaneously—turning the exhibition into a dynamic cultural marketplace where the Grand Canal was expressed on the tip of the tongue.

By achieving both safe and successful operations and generating cultural and economic impact, the 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo has once again proven itself as a premier platform for showcasing the enduring vitality of the Grand Canal, fostering international exchange, and promoting the integration of culture, tourism, and creative industries.

With growing international participation and digital engagement breaking new ground, the Expo has become not just a regional highlight, but a global window into the living heritage of China’s Grand Canal.

 

Xtep Hosts 10KM TIME TRIAL in Malaysia: 1,030 Elite and Mass Runners Pursue Personal Bests

PENANG, Malaysia, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading professional sportswear brand Xtep hosted a mass-participation “10KM TIME TRIAL” race in Penang, Malaysia on August 17th, with He Yong claiming victory in the Elite Category with a time of 34:29 and Ang Chee Yiang winning the Mass Category in 39:38. Leveraging its position as a leader in performance running footwear, Xtep established this event as Southeast Asia’s first large-scale timed trial designed specifically for advanced runners seeking to break their personal records(PBs). This unique format attracted fierce competition, drawing elite athletes not only from across Malaysia but also from Indonesia, Singapore, Uganda, Kenya, and Taiwan, China.


Amidst a growing global focus on healthy living and a surge in younger running enthusiasts, the sport is evolving from casual participation towards the pursuit of personal bests (PBs). This trend sees more people engaging deeply with professional athletics, where professionally timed trials are crucial. The Penang 10KM TIME TRIAL perfectly embodies this shift, providing a premier platform for runners to challenge their limits .


 


Prior to the race, distinguished guests including Penang State Exco for Youth, Sports, and Health YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen fired the starting gun to commence the competition. After all runners completed the course, YB Daniel Gooi Zi Sen delivered an inspiring speech, stating: “Penang is a land that nurtures sports talents, having produced world-class athletes including Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and Datuk Nicol David, proving that dreams fueled by hard work know no bounds.” The race featured a highly competitive field with participants ranging in age from 20 to 48, including professionals from various fields, among them five athletes capable of running sub-34 minutes for 10km, as well as national-level triathletes and ultramarathon champions. A large contingent of passionate recreational runners also took part, experiencing the thrill of competition.


This intense pursuit of PBs and breakthroughs highlights the current surge in sports enthusiasm and the growing demand for professional gear that helps athletes perform their best. To meet runners’ evolving needs, Xtep uses innovative technology to develop high-performance gear for athletes of all levels aiming to break their limits and achieve PBs. The shoes worn by He Yong were Xtep’s new flagship product – the 160X7.0 Championship Edition Collection (featuring the high-performance 160X7.0 PRO and the standard 160X7.0). Equipped with a GT700 or T700 carbon plate and ACE+ midsole technology delivering over 85% energy return rate, this series provides explosive power for peak speed. To honor the outstanding performances of the top seven finishers, Xtep presented each athlete with a pair of 160X7.0 Championship Edition running shoes – recognizing elite performance with elite gear.


This grand event was the highlight of Xtep’s meticulously planned Malaysian activities for the global launch of its 160X7.0 Championship Edition Collection. The campaign began on August 16th with an exclusive Elite Appreciation Gathering at Xtep’s first store in IOI Mall Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, where key opinion leaders and elite athletes had been among the first to experience the new products in depth. The following day (August 17th), the highly anticipated “10KM TIME TRIAL” large-scale competitive race took place in Penang.

From the technological showcase in Kuala Lumpur to the real-world validation on the Penang course, the Xtep 160X7.0 Championship Edition Collection was successfully launched in Malaysia. This event demonstrates Xtep’s growing expertise in road running and commitment to supporting athletes through professional technology. It highlights Xtep’s focus on serving the road running community and promoting professional competition. Moving forward, Xtep will remain steadfastly focused on road running, leveraging its professional technology to help runners worldwide break through their limits.

  

Agridence Acquires farmer connect to Deliver Unified Compliance and Traceability Solutions for Global Agriculture Supply Chains

The combined platform supports agribusinesses in meeting EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and ESG requirements with end-to-end transparency across key commodities.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Agridence Grp Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“Agridence”), a Singapore-based leader in digital agri-commodity supply chain solutions, announced its acquisition of farmer connect, a European compliance and traceability platform. This acquisition comes alongside Agridence’s newly secured investment, enabling the company to build a unified offering that helps agribusinesses meet regulatory compliance and supply chain transparency requirements efficiently across multiple commodities.

“Agridence and farmer connect bring together complementary expertise—Agridence’s deep upstream presence in Asia and farmer connect’s strong downstream buyer compliance focus in Europe,” said Gerald Tan, CEO and Founder of Agridence. “This augmented competency benefits Agridence’s customers by providing access to a well-established EU-presence and gives farmer connect’s customers sourcing access in Asia. We are now better positioned to help our customers navigate European regulations and demonstrate compliance through a trusted, end-to-end solution.”

The combined platform offers:

  • Compliance Tools: Polygon-level farm mapping, deforestation risk monitoring, and supply chain tracking aligned with EUDR and relevant ESG standards.
  • End-to-End Visibility: Data tracking from producers through processing and export to support audit readiness and reporting needs.
  • Multi-Commodity Coverage: Support for key commodities including coffee, cocoa, rubber, and palm oil.
  • ESG Reporting: Automated data aggregation to facilitate regulatory and market reporting.

“This acquisition builds on the strong foundation we developed at farmer connect. I want to thank our talented team, the dedicated board, and Sucafina for their continued support, each of whom played a critical role in making this possible” said Stefano Rettore, Chairman of farmer connect. “Many global agribusinesses, including large FMCGs, already use both farmer connect and Agridence platforms. Our clients have responded positively to this consolidation, recognizing that fewer platforms mean less complexity and greater efficiency. This merger unlocks new synergies and opportunities, enabling us to deliver even more value to the industry as it navigates growing compliance and sustainability requirements.”

Following the acquisition, Agridence will maintain uninterrupted service for all existing farmer connect customers, while expanding the platform’s capabilities and market reach. This integration combines the strengths of both companies, enhancing compliance and traceability solutions without affecting current ongoing business operations. Our unified platform remains dedicated to helping companies navigate evolving regulatory and sustainability challenges.
Hashtag: #traceabilitysolutions #acquisitionnews #compliancesolutions #regulatorycompliance #agsupplychain


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

About Agridence

Agridence is a Singapore headquartered agri-tech platform that digitises global agri-commodity supply chains to deliver end-to-end traceability, ESG compliance, and sustainability reporting. Our cloud-native, API-ready software combines AI analytics, geospatial mapping and mobile application data capture to monitor natural rubber, palm oil, cocoa, coconut and other crops end-to-end.

Multinational companies, traders, processors and smallholders rely on Agridence to be compliant with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), RSPO, GPSNR and other certification and assurance models. By embedding technology, trust and transparency at scale, we help the agri-commodity sector reduce deforestation risk and build resilient, low-carbon, socially responsible supply chains.

The Agridence ecosystem unlocks:

● Real time supply chain transparency and chain-of-custody tracking

● Automated environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk analysis

● Smallholder onboarding and digital payment workflows

● API integrations with ERP, trading and certification systems

By turning complex compliance into competitive advantage, Agridence helps enterprises de-risk sourcing, protect forests, and build a more resilient, sustainable agriculture ecosystem.

Discover our agri-commodity compliance platform at , email info@agridence.com, or follow us on LinkedIn at.

About farmer connect

farmer connect is a Swiss-based tech company that streamlines EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) compliance for companies across the agricultural supply chain. By centralising ESG data collection and automating Due Diligence Statement (DDS) generation, farmer connect ensures seamless integration with EU TRACES.

Built for scale and automation, the platform connects effortlessly with multi-tiered ERP systems via APIs, significantly reducing manual effort and maintaining up-to-date compliance statuses. Designed for ease of use and end-to-end traceability, farmer connect enables businesses to streamline regulatory compliance, while promoting responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency and traceability.

Nature Foods Launches ICHILL, a Convenient, Healthy Beverage Solution Powered by Freeze-Dried Technology

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, young Vietnamese consumers constantly juggle work, study, and personal activities. They want a beverage that not only quenches thirst instantly but also tastes delicious, while being healthy and safe. However, making that choice is not always easy.

Freeze-dried cooling beverage first launched to users.
Freeze-dried cooling beverage first launched to users.

Most ready-to-drink products on the market are convenient but often contain high levels of sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. On the other hand, many so-called “healthy drinks” take time to prepare, are difficult to store, or lose their natural taste. Young people face a tough question: how to stay refreshed and “chill” without compromising their health?

Recognizing this demand, Nature Foods Company (NFC) – a pioneer in applying freeze-dried technology in Vietnam – introduced ICHILL, a refreshing beverage line with real fruit toppings in freeze-dried cubes.

Unlike traditional drying methods, freeze-drying removes water while ingredients are frozen, turning ice directly into vapor without passing through the liquid stage. This process preserves the food’s natural color, flavor, and nutrients, while eliminating the need for preservatives. With extremely low moisture, ICHILL products have a long shelf life, yet when prepared, deliver a taste experience that feels as fresh as if it were just made.

The Rise of Convenient and Healthy Beverages

This is not just a local trend. Globally, the demand for convenient yet health-oriented beverages is on the rise, driven by changing consumer habits. In Vietnam, the beverage market is projected to surpass USD 7.5 billion by 2025 (Statista), with health-focused and convenient products being the fastest-growing segment. This reflects a shift towards smarter consumption—where convenience meets wellness.

ICHILL – Convenient and Safe with a Strict Production Process

Produced in NFC’s facilities certified to HACCP, ISO 22000, and BRCGS standards, ICHILL contains no preservatives, no artificial colors, and no synthetic flavors. Each compact cup comes with a freeze-dried beverage cube and a separate sachet of rock sugar, allowing consumers to customize sweetness to their liking. With just 1–2 minutes of preparation, ICHILL offers a refreshing, safe, and delicious drink—ready to “chill” anywhere, anytime.

Three Unique Flavors – A New Experience in Every Cup

  • Peach Orange Lemongrass Tea – Bold black tea with crunchy peach, juicy orange, and fragrant lemongrass for instant refreshment.
  • Longan, Snow Fungus & Chia Seeds – Naturally sweet from fig root and longan, balanced with chewy snow fungus and fiber-rich chia seeds for digestion and cooling.
  • Strawberry & Hibiscus – Bright red color, tangy hibiscus blended with ripe strawberries, topped with chewy strawberry jelly and hibiscus petals—delicious and skin-friendly.

Featured on HTV9 – Reinforcing Brand Credibility

Recently, NFC and its ICHILL product line were featured on “Ăn Lành Sống Chất” (Eat Well, Live Well), a reputable TV program on HTV9 that provides insights into smart eating solutions. During the show, NFC representatives shared about the freeze-drying process, their strict production standards, and the company’s commitment to delivering beverages that are both convenient and health-conscious.

A Sustainable Vision

With ICHILL, NFC is not only offering a convenient, safe, and tasty drink but also shaping the future of smart beverage consumption in Vietnam. Moving forward, NFC aims to expand its portfolio with more flavors, combining natural ingredients with advanced technology—so every cup of ICHILL becomes a truly refreshing experience, anytime, anywhere.

Capture the World: Agoda Develops a Curated Guide to Picture-Perfect Nature Destinations this World Photography Day

SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has created a curated guide to some of Asia’s most breathtaking landscapes this World Photography Day, celebrated on 19 August, as research from Virgin Media shows that adults on holiday take more than 14 selfies a day and upload 7 images to social media a week.

As the quality of camera-phone technology continues to advance, more and more travelers are sharing their experiences on social media platforms to breathtaking effect. From lush forests to dramatic coastlines, these lesser-known destinations offer budding photographers the perfect backdrop to capture nature’s beauty. Photography is increasingly becoming inseparable from travel, encouraging the exploration and appreciation of diverse cultures and landscapes. Travelers now use camera phone photography as a way of documenting their experiences as well as inspiring others.

Here’s Agoda’s list of 6 breathtaking nature destinations in Asia where novice and professional photographers alike can frame the perfect shot:

1.      Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam

Nestled in northern Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop is a paradise for photographers. With its winding roads, towering limestone peaks, and vibrant rice terraces, this region offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Travelers can explore nearby villages and experience the rich local culture.

2.      Meghalaya, Shillong, India

Known as the “Abode of Clouds,” Meghalaya boasts lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and living root bridges. Photographers can capture the ethereal beauty of the region’s misty landscapes and local life. The famous Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong villages are must-visit spots.

3.      Yakushima Island, Japan

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Yakushima Island is famed for its ancient cedar forests and diverse ecosystems. Photographers can capture the mystical atmosphere of the moss-covered trees and the island’s unique wildlife. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to immerse in nature.

4.      Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Above water, photographers can capture the stunning karst island formations and pristine beaches. Underwater, travelers can capture the beauty of the tropical wonderland.

5.      Palawan, Philippines

Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, Palawan is a haven for landscape photographers. The stunning scenery of El Nido and Coron offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. Island tours and snorkeling adventures reveal vibrant marine life.

6.      Taroko Gorge, Hualien, Taiwan

Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder with its towering marble cliffs and winding river. Photographers can capture dramatic landscapes and explore the numerous hiking trails. The gorge’s unique rock formations and lush vegetation make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “World Photography Day is the perfect excuse to pack a camera and explore Asia’s breathtaking hidden gems. Agoda is here to help capture the world’s beauty, one stunning landscape at a time. So, grab the gear, see the world, and let the lens tell the story!”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning the next photographic adventure. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

— ENDS —

Vietnamese Man Arrested for Trafficking 16 into Laos

Ly Van Sang at the police station. Photo: Nghe An Police

Vietnamese authorities arrested 26-year-old Ly Van Sang on 17 August for human trafficking after he smuggled 16 people into the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos to work in an online scamming operation. He later confessed to the charges.

HEISHA and Unibird Unveil Groundbreaking Drone Defence Tower (DDT) System

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a strategic collaboration, HEISHA Technology and Unibird have launched the Drone Defence Tower (DDT), an advanced autonomous hangar system integrating one search drone and 32 defensive strike FPV drones. This innovative solution combines HEISHA’s expertise in multi-layered autonomous drone docks with Unibird’s high-performance FPV drone technology, setting new standards in security and defence applications.

DDT video link: The HEISHA drone defense tower is a new milestone for autonomous swarm control with Unibird FPV – YouTube

The DDT system features remote dispatch software enabling autonomous patrols and precision strikes, with a modular design accommodating 7-inch FPV drones and customizable configurations for various unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dimensions. Its core technological advantages include:

Advanced Anti-Jamming Capabilities: The device is equipped with cutting-edge 95dB GPS technology, which supports both Beidou B1 and GPS frequencies, ensuring reliable navigation even in the presence of complex electromagnetic interference.

Leveraging advanced AI visual analysis, the integrated strike module offers a 300-meter recognition range for human and vehicle targets, coupled with autonomous tracking capabilities, ensuring precise engagement even when communication links are compromised.

Long-Range Data Transmission: This fiber optic communication module is capable of supporting a transmission distance of up to 20 kilometers and a data throughput of 30Mbps. It employs OFDM and MIMO technologies to enhance its anti-jamming capabilities, ensuring robust performance in data transmission.

“DDT represents a paradigm shift in integrated air defence systems,” said a HEISHA spokesperson. “Our modular dock design, combined with Unibird’s agile FPV technology, delivers an unprecedented level of autonomous threat response capability.”

Weighing under 400g with dimensions of 65mm×65mm×21mm, the compact system offers flexible deployment options for both vehicle-mounted and fixed installations. Its applications span military base protection, critical infrastructure security, and border patrol missions, providing 24/7 autonomous surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

The collaboration leverages HEISHA has demonstrated a strong track record in the autonomous drone charging station industry, with products like the D80 and V200 that are compatible with leading UAV platforms. DDT integrates the drone dock with the swarm control of FPV, and is set to profoundly transform approaches to defense.

Media Contact:
James Penn
james.penn@heishatech.com 
+86 18664516999

Laos Set to Export 120 Tons of Roselle to South Korea

Roselle, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a species of flowering plant in the hibiscus family, native to Africa. This photo is for representational purpose only.

Laos is on track to export 120 tons of roselle to South Korea, with plans to expand commercial cultivation to include black and white sesame, large onions, and others related for the Korean market.

On 14 August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association (LABA) officially launched the project. 

LABA and the Korean company signed a key export agreement valued at LAK 16.2 billion (approximately USD 771,000). Additional crops will be introduced in the future.

LABA Vice President Khanthong Siphasert highlighted the project’s innovative “four-way” collaborative model, which strategically connects producers, processors, suppliers, government institutions, financial organizations, and international buyers. 

He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts exports but also provides technical guidance, market insights, and investment opportunities for all participants.

So far 2025, LABA expanded the roselle cultivation project to cover six key areas, totaling 2.135 hectares.

According to the vice president, roselle is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ready to harvest in 110 days with high yields. 

Its vitamin C-rich, ruby-red fruit is valued worldwide for jellies, teas, sauces, syrups, and wines, making it highly marketable internationally.

The project is managed by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), serving as a coordination hub to connect producers and suppliers with government agencies, financial institutions, and international buyers.