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Xinhua Silk Road: Index decodes sericulture industry upgrade in S. China’s Guangxi

BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A promotion event for Hechi’s sericulture industry, branded as “Gui”, was held in Beijing on September 10, focusing on brand building, market expansion and investment cooperation. At the event, the Xinhua Index Research Institute released interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.

Photo shows the on-site release of the interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.
Photo shows the on-site release of the interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.

Hechi, located in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is hailed as the “new capital of Chinese silk”, with its mulberry acreage and silkworm cocoon output ranking first among all prefecture-level cities nationwide for 20 consecutive years, and its silk processing capacity leading the country for 15 years in a row, said Cao Chongjun, vice mayor of Hechi.

To boost the industry, Hechi issued a full industry-chain development plan in 2022, setting a target of 50 billion yuan in output value by 2025. In 2024, the city unveiled a three-year action plan with 32 measures across seven key areas, including upgrading sericulture bases. Since 2020, it has invested 1.023 billion yuan of agricultural funds and provided 2.239 billion yuan in cocoon-silk loans.

Advanced technologies such as collective silkworm rearing and automated reeling have been widely adopted. The city is also building a trusted data space, a China-ASEAN cocoon and silk trading center, and a digital innovation hub to enhance supply chain integration.

In May 2025, the people’s government of Hechi City, together with China Economic Information Service, launched compilation of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index, aiming to provide a scientific gauge of industry development, offer evidence-based support for policymaking, and deliver early warnings and guidance.

According to the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index report, the sericulture industry covers 11 counties and districts as well as 131 townships across Hechi, benefiting nearly 1 million farmers. In 2024, the average annual household income from sericulture exceeded 50,000 yuan.

With government support ranging from resource coordination to runway presentation, “Hechi silk” is stepping onto the international stage, advancing the city’s transformation from “silk source” to “brand highland”. 

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/347570.html

 

Smoke-Dried Bodies Could Be World’s ‘Oldest Mummies’, Recent Study Found

Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liyupo site in southern China, who was smoke-dried prior to burial about 8000 years ago. Right: A modern smoke-dried mummy of the Dani people in West Papua, Indonesia Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-chun Hung (NewScientist)

AFP – Some ancient societies in China and Southeast Asia appear to have smoke-dried their dead, effectively mummifying them thousands of years earlier than their Egyptian counterparts, new research has found.

While the bandage-bound bodies of ancient Egypt date back perhaps as far as 4,500 years ago, the oldest previously known examples of mummification are from ancient Chilean societies.

There, the dry air of the Atacama coastline allowed for natural mummification by drying.

But the bodies retrieved by researchers from China and Southeast Asia came largely from humid regions.

The scientists were initially intrigued by the contorted positions of skeletons found in burial sites in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The remains appeared to have scorch marks in some places, but in patterns inconsistent with attempts at cremation.

They theorized that the contorted burials might have been possible because no soft tissue remained on the bodies, the result of mummification by drying, a practice known in parts of Indonesia’s Papua.

They tested this by analyzing the composition of bone samples from the sites against control samples taken from ancient burial sites in Japan and found evidence of exposure to mostly low-temperature heat.

The intact nature of the skeletons suggested there was no attempt to cremate the bodies, and preservation was the goal.

The samples include some dating back more than 10,000 years, suggesting societies were practicing forms of mummification thousands of years earlier than previously known.

The results were “a great surprise,” said Hsiao-chun Hung, senior research fellow at Australian National University.

“The bones are so ancient, and it is remarkable to discover that this tradition is so old, connecting the practices of ancient peoples with those still found in some communities today.”

While the scientists said smoking was probably the “most effective option for preserving corpses in tropical climates,” the process also likely held cultural significance.

Several societies in Indonesia and Australia are known to have smoke-dried bodies by binding them tightly and placing them above a continuously burning fire, often for several months.

The process allowed relatives to maintain contact with the deceased, and in some cases was believed to allow the spirit to roam freely during the day and return to a body at night.

“I believe this reflects something deeply human, the timeless wish that our loved ones might never leave us, but remain by our side forever,” Hung told AFP.

The researchers theorize that the practice may have been common in ancient Asian civilizations.

“This tradition may have been known among hunter-gatherer societies across a vast region, for many millennia,” they wrote in the study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.


© Agence France-Presse

“Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” — Taiwan Promotes Sustainable Cycling Tourism

TAIPEI, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cycling is both a form of recreation and a way to explore scenic landscapes—have you joined the trend yet? In response to the growing popularity of cycling tourism, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is actively advancing the **Bike Friendly Accommodations** program. By partnering with lodging providers, the initiative offers exclusive facilities and services such as secure bike parking, maintenance and cleaning areas, late check-out, and guided cycling tours, ensuring a safe and convenient journey for cycling travelers across Taiwan.

Autumn’s crisp and refreshing weather makes it the perfect season for events, and the most iconic among them is the annual **Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival** held on the shores of Sun Moon Lake. Blending local culture, live performances, and family-friendly riding experiences, this year’s event is set for **November 22** and is expected to attract cycling enthusiasts from around the world to share in the festive lakeside atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

Beyond **Come! BikeDay**, Taiwan also boasts a vibrant cycling calendar. Highlights include the internationally renowned **Taiwan KOM Challenge**, celebrated as one of the world’s toughest road races with a 105 km course climbing over 3,500 meters in elevation; the **Tour de Taiwan**, a multi-stage international road race that draws professional teams worldwide; and the **L’Étape by Tour de France Taiwan**, officially licensed by the Tour de France and debuting in Taiwan for the first time. In addition, the annual **Taipei International Cycle Show (Taipei Cycle)** each spring serves as a global hub for industry innovation and exchange, reinforcing Taiwan’s reputation as the **”Bicycle Kingdom.”**

These annual events combine leisure, sport, industry innovation, and sustainable tourism—underscoring Taiwan’s strong commitment to cycling culture. Complementing the events is Taiwan’s comprehensive cycling infrastructure, which includes numerous dedicated bike paths, the celebrated Sun Moon Lake loop route, and the legendary **Route No. 1** that circles the island for nearly 968 km with clear signposting, making it the ultimate choice for round-island cycling adventurers.

Through its events, accommodations, and infrastructure, Taiwan is steadily building a dynamic cycling tourism ecosystem, sincerely inviting travelers everywhere to **”Cycle Taiwan Sustainably.”**

For more information on Bike Friendly Accommodations, please visit the [Taiwan Stay website](https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw/TSA/web_page/TSA010100.jsp)

For details on **Come! BikeDay**, please visit the [Sun Moon Lake Cycling Tourism website](https://theme.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/comebikeday/Index.aspx?l=2)

"Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” Kicks Off in Style on November 22!
“Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” Kicks Off in Style on November 22!

 

Kexing Biopharm’s Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Registered with FDA DMF

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kexing Biopharm announced that its investigational Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes has successfully completed a Type II Drug Master File (DMF) registration with the U.S. FDA.

Exosomes, as a next-generation bioactive carrier, boast unique advantages such as low immunogenicity, strong tissue penetration, and potential for targeted modification, offering immense promise for medical applications. However, the technical barriers and research challenges in Exosome development place them at the forefront of complexity among bioactive material fields. 

This achievement builds on Kexing’s K’Exosome platform, which is built on high-performance GMP-grade exosome “end-to-end” production technology. The platform’s core strengths lie in its “six highs and one low” advantages: high purity, high yield, high efficiency, high recovery rate, high stability, high bioactivity, and low cost. This enables scalable, standardized, and intelligent manufacturing of clinical-grade exosomes. Additionally, the platform offers advanced engineering capabilities for efficient protein/small nucleic acid loading and precise targeted modification, providing a comprehensive solution from molecular design to process scale-up for next-generation delivery therapies.

Kexing Biopharm will continue to advance its “Innovation + Internationalization” strategy, driving the global development and application of exosome technologies and delivering high-quality solutions for broader healthcare needs.

realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Why settle for one way to capture life’s moments when you can have three? Dubbed the segment’s best imaging smartphone, the realme 15 Series boasts a revolutionary camera system built on a 3-in-1 concept that combines professional-grade photography, cinematic video recording, and dynamic live photos in one sleek smartphone. This AI Party Phone will be available for pre-order starting 18 September, and early-bird customers will be receiving free gifts worth up to RM1,346.

realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September
realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September

From 18 September to 27 September, interested customers can place orders at realme Brand Stores nearest to them with a deposit of RM20. Free gifts include realme Buds T200 Lite, realme ice tumbler, RM100 rebate, 1-year extended warranty and 1-year screen crack warranty.

Party-ready with Triple 50MP Camera

The realme 15 Pro features a triple 50MP ultra-clear system. A Sony IMX896 main sensor delivers crisp detail and vivid color, the 50MP ultra-wide captures expansive scenes, and the 50MP front camera elevates selfies—making everything from nightscapes to spontaneous street shots effortless.

realme 15 Series introduces AI Party Mode. This innovative feature taps on an optimised algorithm to capture bright, vivid portraits under challenging lighting conditions. Together with exclusive lighting effects and creative watermarks, the AI Party Mode empowers young users to revive the party atmosphere through every shot.

Segment’s Best 4K60fps Video Recording

Content creators get unrivalled video quality with realme 15 Pro’s 4K60fps recording across all three lenses – main, ultra-wide and front. Be it vlogging at a buzzing concert, filming cinematic travel adventures, or capturing smooth action shots, the AI Party Phone delivers professional-grade footage from any angle.

Making its debut on the realme 15 Pro, the 2K Live Photo reimagines how we capture memories. By blending the intimacy of a photo with the emotion of video, it preserves fleeting details—like a friend’s laugh or a passing breeze—in crisp 2K clarity, creating living images that feel vibrant and personal.

The realme 15 Pro redefines smartphone creativity with its 3-in-1 camera system: a Triple 50MP camera for stunning photos, 4K60fps recording across all three lenses for cinematic video, and an industry-leading 2K Live Photo that turns snapshots into living memories.

Join the realme 15 Series launch livestream on 18 September 2025, and follow realme on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

-Ends-

About realme:

realme is a global consumer technology company disrupting the smartphone market by making cutting-edge technologies more accessible. It provides a range of smartphones and lifestyle technology devices with premium specs, quality, and trend-setting designs to young consumers.

Established by Sky Li in 2018, realme has become one of the top five smartphone players in 30 markets globally in just three years, and realme has entered multiple markets worldwide, including China and Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, and has a global user base of over 200 million. 2024 is the year of rebranding for realme with its new slogan, “Make it real.” Under the new brand spirit, realme will focus more on young users than before and bring real, clear, and tangible benefits to their lives.

For more information, please visit https://www.realme.com/my/.

Osaka Rises as the Top Choice for Chinese Travelers Celebrating Golden Week, Agoda Reports

SINGAPORE, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda reveals a rise in travel interest among Chinese travelers during Golden Week, with a 26% increase in interest for both domestic and international journeys based on travel searches. Celebrated from October 1st to 8th, Golden Week marks the last long holiday of the year for Chinese travelers, offering a prime opportunity for extended travel and exploration.

This year, Japan has captured the imagination of Chinese travelers, with Osaka leading the charge as the top destination, with a 101% increase in travel interest. The allure of Japan’s cultural richness and urban excitement is undeniable, as Tokyo, Bali, Seoul, and Kyoto round out the top five international destinations this year. These destinations highlight the appeal of urban cityscapes, like Tokyo and Seoul, alongside island getaways, like Bali, for Chinese travelers looking to venture abroad this holiday period.

Domestically, the travel spirit is equally strong. Many travelers opt to explore within China, seeking the comfort of familiar surroundings while enjoying the convenience of staying close to home. Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou emerged as the top picks, whether going home for family reunions or embarking on new adventures. Notably, Sanya and Shenzhen are experiencing the most growth, with travel interest increasing 51% and 42% year on year respectively. Sanya stands out for its white-sand beaches, clear blue waters and tropical climate, while Shenzhen attracts visitors with its modern skyline and vibrant shopping scene.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, shared, “Golden Week is one of the most significant travel periods in Asia, and it’s great to see Chinese travelers making the most of their last long holiday of the year to explore Japan and other parts of Asia. Agoda is here to make these journeys seamless, offering a vast array of options to suit every traveler’s needs during this special holiday.”

As travelers embark on their Golden Week adventures, Agoda stands ready to ensure a seamless travel experience offering over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all easily combined in a single booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com for more information.

 

Malaysia Healthcare Week Debuts in Kuwait, Strengthening Malaysia-Kuwait Medical Partnership

Spearheaded by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, the event builds momentum towards the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026.

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Building on Malaysia’s established reputation as a premier global healthcare destination and as part of the strategic lead-up to the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), together with the Embassy of Malaysia in Kuwait and REXPOCentral Sdn Bhd, launched Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait. This landmark initiative showcases Malaysia’s world-class medical capabilities while building momentum towards MYMT2026 and demonstrating Malaysia’s leadership in international healthcare collaboration.

Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait provides a platform to strengthen Malaysia–Kuwait bilateral healthcare collaboration while showcasing Malaysia’s position as a regional healthcare leader. By highlighting Malaysia’s world-class medical expertise and advanced healthcare infrastructure, the event reinforces the country’s reputation for delivering exceptional patient care and supports greater collaboration in medical training and knowledge exchange. The initiative positions Malaysia as the trusted destination of choice for high-quality, affordable care delivered by internationally accredited specialists and state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait, was officiated by His Excellency (H.E.) ‘Alauddin Mohd Nor, Ambassador of Malaysia to Kuwait, and brought together leading Malaysian healthcare institutions such as Perkeso Rehabilitation Center and Alpha IVF & Women Specialist, with prominent hospitals and clinics from Kuwait, influential stakeholders, and distinguished representatives from various embassies. The programme featured a series of impactful engagements, including the Malaysia Day celebrations at the Embassy of Malaysia, the Yes2Malaysia Showcase (B2B healthcare session), and the Yes2Malaysia Education & Healthcare Expo 2025, which will continue to foster dialog and strengthen healthcare collaborations between Malaysia and Kuwait,

Key highlights of Malaysia Healthcare Week 2025 in Kuwait included:  

Malaysia Day by the Embassy of Malaysia: 17 September 2025

  • The Malaysia Day celebration at the Embassy of Malaysia provided a meaningful platform to strengthen cultural and professional ties between both countries.

Yes2Malaysia Showcase (B2B Healthcare Session): 18 September 2025

  • The Yes2Malaysia Education & Healthcare Expo 2025, served as a major platform for networking, knowledge sharing between Malaysian Medical Centres and Kuwaiti counterparts, and exploring new opportunities in healthcare and medical education, paving the way for deeper collaborations.
  • Delegates visited leading hospitals in Kuwait for direct engagement and partnership discussions.
  • The Yes2Malaysia Showcase (B2B Healthcare Session), featured presentations by Malaysian hospitals, highlighting renowned services, advanced technologies, and areas of expertise to Kuwaiti healthcare professionals.

Yes2Malaysia Education & Healthcare Expo 2025: 19 September 2025

  • The Yes2Malaysia Education & Healthcare Expo 2025, designed to showcase Malaysia’s strengths in both education and healthcare, positioning the country as a trusted partner for high-quality learning opportunities and advanced medical services. Beyond exhibitions, the expo provided a platform to highlight Malaysia’s perspective on education and healthcare as integrated sectors, reinforcing the country’s role in fostering international collaboration and long-term partnerships.

Malaysia Healthcare Week in Kuwait was a significant opportunity for MHTC to bring Malaysia’s world-class healthcare services directly to Kuwaiti patients,” said Mr. Lokman Izam Abd Aziz, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at MHTC. “Malaysia’s reputation for high-quality care, excellent hospitality, cost-effectiveness, and international standards combined with our multilingual expertise and cultural sensitivity makes us an ideal destination for Kuwaitis seeking advanced medical treatments abroad. As we look ahead to the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026) and continue to support ASEAN’s vision for health and wellness tourism, we remain committed to delivering exceptional healthcare experiences tailored to the needs of international patients from the Middle East and beyond“.

MHTC remains steadfast in its mission to position Malaysia as the world’s premier healthcare destination, leveraging the country’s unique combination of clinical excellence, cultural diversity, and exceptional hospitality. By fostering strategic international partnerships and integrating world-class medical care with distinctive tourism experiences, MHTC is committed to delivering a seamless, patient-centric healthcare journey that showcases Malaysia’s renowned medical expertise and warm hospitality. These efforts are further amplified as Malaysia looks ahead to the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as the leading destination for world-class healthcare and transformative medical travel experiences that extend well beyond treatment to encompass holistic wellness and cultural enrichment.


For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
+603 8776 6168                 
shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at                                                          
Asst. Manager, Communications
+603 8776 6168     
rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.

More information can be found at https://www.mhtc.org.my/ 

Singapore Startup Synthesys Raises US$11m to Build the Next Generation Infrastructure for Capital Markets

SINGAPORE, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Synthesys (formerly known as Equitize) today announced that it has raised US$11m, in combined seed and strategic funding to build next-generation infrastructure for tokenized securities globally. The round was led by super-angel investor Mark Pui, who has focused on technology and blockchain investments for over a decade.

“Just as mutual funds first emerged in 1924 and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) reshaped investing in the 2000s, blockchain technology will enable a new generation of more efficient financial vehiclesˮ said Pui. “With a great mix of web3 and traditional capital markets veterans, the Synthesys team is perfectly positioned to transform a $58 trillion market.ˮ

This announcement follows the recent global adoption of tokenized securities across different asset classes.

Financial giants including BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Fidelity, and VanEck have launched tokenized money-market funds, opening new digital channels for traditionally conservative products. Nasdaq recently filed to enable tokenized ETF and equity trading, while regional leaders such as HSBC, OCBC, and DBS have issued tokenized bonds and structured notes to lower entry costs and speed up settlement.

Among real-world assets, tokenized funds are emerging as a breakout case, with assets under management growing 7,400% in just six months, driven by regulatory clarity and consistently strong investor demand.

Darien Poh, CEO of Synthesys, explained “We’ve seen tokenization applied to many different asset classes over the past few years. What’s changed recently is the combination of regulatory clarity and a deeper understanding of how blockchain enhances traditional financial infrastructure. Financial institutions are now recognizing the operational efficiencies of tokenizing securities – not as a future concept, but as a reality today.”

Why Tokenized Funds Matter

Traditional mutual funds rely on multiple intermediaries such as transfer agents, custodians, and administrators to handle record-keeping, reconciliation, and settlement – processes that often result in delayed settlement times and higher costs.

By contrast, blockchain enables financial institutions to embed compliance directly into smart contracts in a digital ledger. Tokenized funds record ownership and operations directly on a blockchain ledger, automating investor records and reconciliation in real time, enabling near-instant settlement, lower administrative friction, and compliance that is built into the system itself, including features like automated reporting and programmable liquidity windows.

This design reduces operational risk, safeguarding against both technological failures and human error.

Synthesys Enables Connectivity Across a Tokenized Capital Market

Synthesys empowers financial institutions to participate in the rapidly expanding ecosystem of the tokenized economy. Through its modular, interoperable infrastructure, it allows previously siloed financial systems to interact seamlessly, unlocking deeper liquidity and broader market access, paving the way for digital innovation at scale.

“Issuance alone isnʼt enough. As we move towards the tokenized future, it will inevitably require interoperable access across different digital ledger technologies and traditional distribution channels.” said Darien.

“This is something that was previously not achievable within traditional financial markets infrastructure, and will completely change how we deal financial securities in the next decade. The ability to frictionlessly move value in and out of a wallet-based portfolio will have an impact on how we manage liquidity, risk and ultimately give access to a more efficient financial market. “

He added, “This raise enables us to scale the infrastructure needed to continue building towards making the future of capital markets more efficient, transparent, and accessible.ˮ

About Synthesys

Founded in 2023, Synthesys (previously Equitize) has developed a global liquidity network aggregating over 40 different primary and secondary distribution channels. Its platform automates compliance across jurisdictions and provides a universal liquidity layer for tokenized securities. Today the company works with leading global and regional asset managers to enable tokenization and is rapidly expanding across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East markets.