HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), a leading global professional services firm, is pleased to announce significant milestones in its China growth journey. In just five years, A&M has tripled its headcount and quadrupled revenues in China, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner to both domestic enterprises and multinational corporations that are navigating complex business challenges in China and beyond.

As part of its long-term commitment to the Chinese market through strategic talent acquisition and the expansion of service offerings, the firm has welcomed 218 senior professionals in the last two years, averaging 15 years of experience. In 2025 alone, A&M further deepened its capabilities by adding 41 senior hires, including 16 Managing Directors, each bringing deep operational and industry expertise. These hires have broadened A&M’s footprint in key sectors such as healthcare, automotive, industrials, retail, and financial services, significantly strengthening A&M’s ability to deliver tangible results across the full lifecycle of corporate transformation.

“China has always been a market of strategic importance to A&M,”  said Bryan Marsal, Co-Founder and CEO of A&M. “Over the past decade, we’ve seen it evolve from a high-growth economy to one that demands more sophisticated, results-driven solutions. Our expansion reflects a long-term commitment—not just to growth, but to building a platform that helps Chinese businesses navigate transformation, complexity, and opportunity. We’re here for the long term, investing in leadership, capabilities, and partnerships that will shape the next decade of business in China.”

A&M’s growth in China is anchored by its four core business units: Performance Improvement, Restructuring & Turnaround, Disputes & Investigations, and Private Equity Services. These practices have scaled rapidly in response to rising demand from Chinese corporates facing operational complexity, regulatory shifts, and cross-border challenges. The Performance Improvement team is now the fastest growing business unit in China, leading initiatives in operational excellence, digital transformation, and cross-border growth. The Restructuring practice has deepened its onshore capabilities with high-profile hires such as Adam Yuan. The Disputes & Investigations team has tripled in size, adding forensic technology capability and expanding into crypto advisory and financial crime investigation. The Private Equity Services team, encompassing tax, global transaction and performance improvement advisory, has continued to grow across the region, helping PE firms and portfolio companies drive EBITDA growth and mitigate risk from acquisition through exit.

Beyond its core offerings, A&M is broadening its footprint in Asia by introducing its well-established Financial Services, CFO Advisory, and Debt & Capital practices to the region. The upcoming launch of Financial Services will enhance A&M’s ability to support clients across the industry in navigating complex growth, cost optimisation, or M&A-related challenges.

James Dubow, Managing Director and Co-Head of A&M North Asia, commented, “China has become an increasingly complex operational environment after decades of rapid growth. The pace of change, market volatility, shifting supply chains, rapid digital adoption, and evolving regulatory landscape are prompting clients to seek out advisors like A&M. As a diversified consultancy with deep functional and industry expertise, we bring the perspective of former operators, C-suite executives, consultants, and industry experts, and we act as agile change agents and trusted advisors paid on results.”

Wei Zhu, Managing Director and Co-Head of A&M North Asia, added, “Our teams combine local insight with global best practices, helping clients tackle mission-critical challenges and unlock new opportunities. With the strategic hiring and the expansion of our business offerings, we are strengthening our ability to serve clients across the lifecycle of their operations and deliver integrated solutions that reflect the realities of doing business in China and beyond.”

About Alvarez & Marsal

Founded in 1983, Alvarez & Marsal is a leading global professional services firm. Renowned for its leadership, action and results, Alvarez & Marsal provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services, delivering practical solutions to address clients’ unique challenges. With a worldwide network of experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators and industry authorities, Alvarez & Marsal helps corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms and government agencies drive transformation, mitigate risk and unlock value at every stage of growth.

To learn more, visit: AlvarezandMarsal.com

– Renowned for Rich Sweetness and Juicy Freshness, Chiba Pears to Arrive in Taiwan –

CHIBA, Japan, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chiba Prefecture will hold the “CHI-BA+KUN’s Japanese Pear Fair” in collaboration with premium fruit outlets in the Taipei and Taichung areas from September 18 (Thursday) to October 1 (Wednesday), 2025.

Chiba Prefecture: Japan’s “Pear Kingdom”

Chiba Prefecture, Japan’s top pear producer*, offers customers based in Taiwan region a limited-time chance to enjoy meticulously cultivated pears, prized for their rich sweetness and freshness. At the fair venues, visitors can experience the appeal of Chiba Prefecture’s pears through tastings, limited sales, and gift suggestions. Please take this opportunity to savor these top-quality pears, perfect for gifting.

*2024 Japanese Pear and Grape Yield Area, Harvest Volume, and Shipment Volume (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

Poster Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108813/202509094879/_prw_PI1fl_44r5MtEf.jpg 

Fair-exclusive Gifts

Visitors who complete a questionnaire at the event will receive a limited-edition premium keychain featuring Chiba Prefecture’s mascot, CHI-BA+KUN.

Keychain Image:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108813/202509094879/_prw_PI2fl_wAWRLTT6.jpg
(Image is for illustrative purposes only.)

Event Overview
Event name: CHI-BA+KUN’s Japanese Pear Fair
Event period: September 18 (Thursday) to October 1 (Wednesday), 2025 (planned)

Venues
Taipei area:
-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Fuxing Store B3, city’super
B3F, No.300, Sec. 3, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/18-9/24 

-Breeze Center B2, Breeze Super B2F, No. 39, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City 105
9/18-9/24

-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Zhongxiao Store B2, Fresh Mart
B2F, No.45, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/25-10/1

-SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI – Taipei Xinyi Place A8, B2 Market
B2F, No. 12, Songgao Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110
9/25-10/1

-Far Eastern SOGO Department Store – Taipei Zhongxiao Store 12F, Japanese Fair
12F, No.45, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106
9/26-10/1

Taichung area:
-Kuang San SOGO Department Store B1, Market
B1F, No. 459, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd., West Dist., Taichung City 403
9/18-9/24

-Yumaowu
No. 150, Gongyi Rd., West Dist., Taichung City 403
9/26-9/28

Explore “Oishii Chiba!” official website: https://www.oishii-chiba.tw/

THE PLATFORM LAUNCHES WITH ‘LA MER GIVES SKIN LIFE’ CAMPAIGN & A THREE-YEAR HEALTHY AGING FELLOWSHIP

HONG KONG, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — La Mer has long been known to provide skin with cellular energy and has remained dedicated to exploring the bioenergetic efficacy of Miracle Broth, from sea to skin. Building on over 50 years of scientific innovation, La Mer is doubling down on its investment in advancing bioenergetic science and studying the full spectrum bioenergetic ecosystem, their interactions and the mechanisms directly contributing to Miracle Broth’s efficacy in strengthening the skin’s cellular network.

The brand’s new Bioenergetics Research Platform builds on its recently announced three-year Healthy Aging Fellowship with the Salk Institute, a world-renowned authority in biological studies that has been home to six Nobel Laureates and has specific expertise in the science of aging on a cellular level. As the first collaboration of its kind at Salk, the partnership seeks to uncover new insights into areas such as cellular regeneration and other aging interventions. The Bioenergetics Research Platform is an expansive scientific initiative deepening the brand’s decades-long exploration into the cellular energy that powers skin renewal. This next chapter includes dedicated studies across every phase in the development of Miracle Broth; La Mer’s legendary bio-fermented active – from its oceanic origin to its impact on skin vitality.

FROM SEA: KELP MICROBIOME SUPERCHARGES MIRACLE BROTH VIA SELF-GENERATING BIOACTIVES 
Since 2023, La Mer scientists have engaged in a multi-year study on the regenerative power of La Mer’s Giant Sea Kelp which is exclusively harvested in the waters off Vancouver Island. In the first phase of the research conducted, La Mer has unlocked new breakthrough insights into the unique characteristics of the Kelp’s microbiome and its impact on Miracle Broth.

La Mer’s  study demonstrates that the plant’s distinct microbial network and structure in this location is a key to generating skin-supportive nutrients. This thriving network fosters a symbiotic organic system in which the kelp and its microbiome actively self-generate nutrients, and bioactives, like Vitamins C, E, A, and K. As a result, the kelp that goes into Miracle Broth is supercharged with skin-renewing properties well before the kelp’s fermentation process begins.

TO SKIN: MIRACLE BROTH BIOENERGETIC INDICATORS SIGNAL OPTIMIZED VISIBLE SKIN AGING PREVENTION & REPAIR 
Building on its 2023 peer-reviewed publication, La Mer has initiated new in vitro studies to measure the bioenergetic activity of Miracle Broth at the cellular level. Findings from this research show that Miracle Broth is proven to boost skin’s energy levels and targets skin’s intrinsic potential to optimize its natural energy for youthful regeneration and repair.

Specifically, the study shows that Miracle Broth not only helps prevent damage and aging of skin cells’ natural power source, but it also amplifies skin’s natural energy to help reverse visible aging. Additional data from this research shows that Miracle Broth is able to promote energy flow through the day and night.These advancements in bioenergetic science are delivered through La Mer’s proprietary Miracle Broth, the lifeblood that flows through all La Mer products.

A NEW ERA IN BIOENERGETICS RESEARCH
La Mer is proud to be the first beauty brand to partner with Salk Institute, uniting to advance research at the forefront of cellular energy and age-related function. As part of this initiative, La Mer introduces the La Mer Healthy Aging Fellowship, a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship dedicated to investigating the role of mitochondria in the aging process.

This fellowship is being awarded to Ankita Chadda, a postdoctoral researcher in Salk Professor Agnieszka Kendrick’s lab, which studies cellular transport—the system of microscopic highways and specialized protein vehicles that move everything inside a cell. This system is indispensable to cellular function and survival. With La Mer’s support, Chadda will use cutting-edge technologies to explore how aging disrupts cellular transport in neurons. This work may reveal new strategies to prevent or reverse transport-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. As a brand rooted in unlocking the secrets of how bioenergetics can enhance the body’s innate functions, La Mer is honored to sponsor this groundbreaking research project.

“La Mer has always believed in the power of bioenergetics to enhance skin’s natural renewal,” said Sandra Main, Global Brand President, La Mer. “Our partnership with the Salk Institute reflects our deep commitment to advancing the science of cellular energy, ensuring that our innovations continue to push the boundaries of aging science. As a brand founded by a true visionary, we are privileged to honor our legacy by partnering with an innovative, world-class institute, with some of the most globally renowned scientists.”

At the Salk Institute, trailblazing research into mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism has deepened scientific understanding of how energy sustains cellular health. Salk’s discoveries have illuminated the critical role mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—play in maintaining optimal function across biological systems. By deciphering how cells generate and regulate energy, Salk scientists are at the forefront of research that informs how tissues, including skin, can adapt and renew over time.

“At the Salk Institute, we are driven by the pursuit of fundamental discoveries that improve human health,” said Gerald Joyce, President, Salk Institute. “We are deeply grateful to La Mer for supporting this mission by funding research into aging at a molecular level and empowering the next generation of scientists. Through this unique partnership, we can apply our scientific expertise to explore new frontiers in healthy aging.”

Together, La Mer and Salk will explore the intersection of these two scientific perspectives, deepening knowledge of how cellular energy influences aging. This research, once completed, could help inform future product innovations for La Mer.

ABOUT LA MER
La Mer is a brand that represents hope, healing and one man’s deep respect for the power of the living sea. It all began over fifty years ago when Dr. Max Huber, a physicist, embarked on a healing quest after a lab accident. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, Miracle Broth™ – the legendary elixir – was born. Since joining The Estée Lauder Companies in 1995, La Mer has become the most coveted skin care brand in the world. 

ABOUT SALK INSTITUTE
Unlocking the secrets of life itself is the driving force behind the Salk Institute. Our team of world-class, award-winning scientists pushes the boundaries of knowledge in areas such as neuroscience, cancer research, aging, immunobiology, plant biology, computational biology, and more. Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge.

Former Amadeus President and Southwest Airlines SVP & CIO Join Payment Orchestration Leader to Drive Next Phase of Travel Retailing Innovation

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CellPoint Digital, the global leader in payment orchestration and travel retailing solutions, today announced the appointment of Julia Sattel, former President of Airlines at Amadeus, and Kathleen Merrill, former Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Southwest Airlines, to its Board of Directors.

Both executives bring decades of transformational leadership within the airline and travel technology ecosystem, having designed some of the industry’s most significant digital transformations. Their expertise will guide CellPoint Digital as it continues revolutionizing how airlines and travel merchants approach payments and retailing.

Julia Sattel was instrumental in reshaping airline technology globally during her tenure as President of Airlines at Amadeus, strengthening its position as the world’s leading airline IT provider. Her deep understanding of complex aviation ecosystems and proven ability to align technology with commercial success make her an invaluable strategic advisor.

Kathleen Merrill led Southwest Airlines’ comprehensive digital transformation as Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, modernizing operations while elevating customer experience standards. As architect of Southwest’s transition into the digital era, her expertise spans IT strategy, digital transformation, and payments technology.

The appointments strengthen CellPoint Digital’s credibility with global airlines and travel merchants while enhancing strategic guidance for platform expansion. Both executives are highly respected within the airline and travel technology community, with extensive networks that open doors for strategic partnerships and thought leadership opportunities.

“Julia and Kathleen are true pioneers in travel technology whose leadership has fundamentally reshaped how airlines approach IT and digital transformation,” said Kristian Gjerding, CEO of CellPoint Digital. “Their appointment is a testament to the transformational impact CellPoint Digital is making in travel payments. Their strategic insights will be instrumental as we continue leading the evolution of payment orchestration and travel retailing.”

“Airlines are entering a new era where payments and retailing must converge to create seamless experiences,” said Julia Sattel. “CellPoint Digital is at the forefront of this evolution, and I’m excited to help guide the company as it drives innovation that transforms how travelers interact with airline services.”

Kathleen Merrill added, “Technology is the strategic backbone of airline success today. CellPoint Digital is building the future of payments in travel, creating solutions that enable airlines to optimize revenue while enhancing customer experience. I’m thrilled to be part of this transformational journey.”

As airlines navigate the convergence of payments and retailing, both board members bring unique perspectives on connecting complex technology with measurable business impact. Their combined expertise positions CellPoint Digital at the forefront of travel technology innovation.

For more information about CellPoint Digital and this announcement or to schedule an interview with a company executive, please contact Steven Osei at steven.osei@cellpointdigital.com.

About CellPoint Digital

CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader in payment orchestration and optimization. CellPoint Digital’s main solution is a powerful Payment Orchestration Platform that optimizes digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods and accelerates the deployment of new payment options. Merchants can easily scale their own payment ecosystem across the world, unify the customer payment experience across their website, mobile apps, and other channels, optimize the routing of each transaction, increase conversion rates and minimize payment costs. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune, and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.

Setting a New Standard for Innovation and Circularity in the Global Textile Industry

DONGGUAN, China, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China’s first fully automated textile waste sorting line has officially entered operation at Zhangjiagang Shanhesheng Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. Developed and manufactured by Databeyond Technology, the line integrates AI and hyperspectral imaging technologies to deliver automated, high-precision sorting of discarded garments. The milestone marks the entry of China’s textile recycling sector into the era of AI-driven sorting.

The AI-driven textile waste sorting line has a processing capacity of approximately 2 tons per hour and is capable of high-precision separation across multiple material types, including: high-purity polyester (over 90%), high-purity cotton (over 90%), high-purity nylon (over 90%), polyester-spandex blends, and nylon-spandex blends. More importantly, the system not only identifies garment material, color, and style, but can also determine blend ratios, enabling it to meet the specific requirements of brand owners. Compared with traditional operations, where more than 30 workers were required to sort approximately 15 tons of post-consumer textiles in a single 8-hour shift, the new line delivers the same throughput with only four workers, substantially reducing labor needs and cutting operating costs.

Ms. Feng, General Manager of Shanhesheng Environmental Technology, explained: “Through our collaboration with Databeyond, we have taken the first step toward the transformation of textile waste recycling. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce sorting lines for shredded garments and factory offcuts, enabling automated sorting from whole garments to shredded feedstock, and providing brand owners with higher-value recycled fibers and materials.”

Shortly after commissioning, Shanhesheng received a 200-ton order of high-purity post-consumer textiles from a global apparel company. In the past, fulfilling such an order would have required dozens of workers and extensive manual sorting. Now, with the advanced textile waste sorting line and only a handful of staff for support, the order can be completed with far greater efficiency.

“The launch of the Zhangjiagang project provides a scalable model of sustainable sorting for textile waste companies and signifies a milestone for China’s circular textile economy. Through ongoing innovation, we aim to accelerate the shift from manual to intelligent sorting and from fragmented to industrial operations, supporting the global textile industry’s transition toward circular growth,” Feng added.

The intelligent textile waste sorting line represents the first phase of Shanhesheng’s textile recycling transformation project. The upcoming second phase will extend to shredded garments and factory offcuts, ultimately delivering end-to-end automated sorting from whole garments to shredded feedstock. This will enable a steady supply of raw materials for both chemical and biological recycling of textiles, accelerating the industry’s progress toward closed-loop textile-to-textile recycling.

About Databeyond

Since its founding in 2018, DataBeyond has consistently focused on developing cutting-edge sorting technologies. As China’s largest supplier of AI-based optical sorters for the recycling front-end, DataBeyond has accumulated extensive waste sorting experience. Currently, thousands of its optical sorters are serving the global renewable resource recycling industry.

DataBeyond’s AI optical sorters have been implemented across multiple countries and regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Mexico, earning strong recognition from users.

The company takes pride in driving the global adoption of advanced intelligent sorting technology. By leveraging professional knowledge and innovative capabilities, DataBeyond continues to accelerate the transition toward an intelligent, transformative era in the global recycling industry.

For more information, please visit www.databeyond.com

Contact: Jiahua Liu, liujiahua@databeyond.com 

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) and Dailymotion Pro, a global video solution provider, are pleased to announce a new partnership to bring ASTN’s long-running Sports Cutting Edge podcast series into a new video format. Together, the two organizations will launch a 10-episode vodcast series aimed at showcasing the latest innovations and voices in the Australian sportstech ecosystem.

This partnership coincides with a major milestone — the 100th episode of Sports Cutting Edge — and marks ASTN’s first move into vodcast production. The new series will be delivered through Dailymotion Pro’s video streaming and delivery technology, allowing ASTN to expand its storytelling capabilities while continuing to highlight sportstech founders, leaders, and global trends shaping the industry.

As Australia’s leading industry body for sportstech innovation, ASTN brings deep sector expertise and a strong community network to the partnership. Dailymotion Pro, a CANAL+ company, complements this with advanced infrastructure and media-grade video technology trusted by thousands of publishers, broadcasters, and sports organizations globally. Through this collaboration, ASTN members and the wider industry will gain direct exposure to how scalable, on-site video solutions can drive audience engagement and elevate the digital presence of sports brands, leagues, and platforms.

“Following the 2023 ASTN trade mission visiting France, we welcomed Dailymotion as a Premium Member to its network in 2024. The now newly formed partnership will assist ASTN to transition its well-established audio content into a state-of-art video product “ said Martin Schlegel, Executive Chair of ASTN. “Together, ASTN and Dailymotion will extend its partnership at the intersection of sport, technology and content creation.”

“ASTN has been a trusted partner in helping us connect with Australia’s most forward-thinking sport organizations,” said Jean-Baptiste Alary, Head of Professional Services at Dailymotion. “We’re excited to support this next phase and bring our video technology to a highly engaged and innovative community.“

“Dailymotion have a dynamic track record of engaging global audiences, and I look forward to working with them to deliver the strongest content possible to our loyal listeners and viewers going forward” said Lachlan Wills, host of ‘Sport”s Cutting Edge’ podcast.

This partnership reflects the ongoing commitment of both organizations to promote innovation, amplify industry voices, and empower sports technology companies with scalable media solutions.

For more information or to tune in to upcoming episodes, visit: https://www.astn.com.au/podcasts or http://pro.dailymotion.com/