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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Fuels Global Travel Boom to South Korea

SINGAPORE, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The international Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters is sparking a surge in global travel to South Korea, underscoring the powerful connection between pop culture and tourism.


Since the film’s release on June 20 this year, Trip.com Group data revealed that global flight bookings to South Korea have risen by 25% year-on-year, with a steady average of 11% month-on-month growth since June. Travellers from Asia are leading the charge, with China, Japan and Vietnam being the top three source markets in terms of booking volume.

Meanwhile, bookings from Western audiences are also rising. Flights to South Korea from Canada and Australia are showing year-on-year increases of over 50% and 20% respectively, signalling a growing appetite for Korean pop culture experiences globally.

Earlier this month, the Seoul city government announced the arrival of a record 1.36 million foreign visitors in July, citing the global popularity of the animated film as a key booster in tourism and interest.

KPop Demon Hunters, featuring a catchy soundtrack and iconic cultural locations, has inspired fans worldwide to explore the real-life settings behind the story. Sites such as Bukchon Hanok Village and the National Museum of Korea are emerging as must-visit destinations for fans seeking immersive cultural experiences. Since the film’s release, searches for the National Museum of Korea on Trip.com have risen by 34% year-on-year, while bookings for Gyeongbokgung Palace have jumped by over 115% year-on-year.

A walking tour of Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village has also made waves on Trip.Pulse, Trip.com’s data-powered list of the latest travel trends and hot topics, sparking over 300,000 views. Other local cultural experiences offered on Trip.com include half-day tours where travellers get to make kimchi and experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony in a Hanok.

“Korean pop culture has captivated hearts worldwide, and this is driving travel to South Korea, as well as a global demand for local cultural experiences. Our latest data shows that the travel surge is largely driven by Millennials and Gen Zs, highlighting the massive appeal and influence of Korean pop culture among young travellers worldwide,” said Justin Hong, General Manager of Trip.com Korea.

As K-pop continues its global expansion, the synergy between cultural content and tourism demonstrates a compelling trend for travel brands to engage international audiences through shared experiences and curated itineraries. Trip.com Group’s recent report found that most APAC travellers are inspired to visit destinations based on what they watch, and interest in media-inspired travels peaks especially among those aged 25-34. From Squid Game to Black Myth Wukong and now KPop Demon Hunters, the global success of these hits show no signs of stopping, boosting tourism and travel worldwide.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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Eaton partners TD SYNNEX to safeguard Japan’s AI and edge computing infrastructure

Eaton launches the 9PX J UPS, based on its highly popular 9PX UPS, tailored to meet standard voltage needs and local compliance regulations, ensuring reliable power for businesses across Japan.

TOKYO, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Intelligent power management company Eaton has appointed TD SYNNEX as its new distributor for its single-phase Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) solutions in Japan.

Left: Jimmy Yam, Vice President and General Manager of Eaton Electric, East Asia; Right: Shigetaka Kunimochi, President and CEO of TD SYNNEX
Left: Jimmy Yam, Vice President and General Manager of Eaton Electric, East Asia; Right: Shigetaka Kunimochi, President and CEO of TD SYNNEX

This collaboration will strengthen Eaton’s distribution network in Japan by expanding into new market segments led by the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and GPUs, Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing applications.

“We are excited to partner TD SYNNEX to better support Japan’s adoption of AI and smart technologies, which demand reliable power for optimal performance,” said Jimmy Yam, Vice President and General Manager, East Asia, Eaton Electric. “We already have a successful partnership with TD SYNNEX in North America and Europe, and we’re thrilled to extend this collaboration here as well.”

“We are honored to partner with Eaton to deliver their highly reliable and flexible solutions in UPS and power distribution units to address power management challenges in Japan,” said Shigetaka Kunimochi, Japan CEO and President, TD SYNNEX. “This partnership reinforces our commitment to support the stability and growth of our customers’ businesses through the power of technology.”

Launch of new 9PX J UPS tailored for Japan

Eaton has also launched the new 9PX J UPS designed specifically for Japanese 100V AC environments, to help businesses strengthen their power resilience in a digital future.

Based on the highly popular 9PX UPS, the 9PX J UPS provides clean, continuous power for mission-critical applications, such as IT, medical, industrial automation and education. It meets international and local safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for users. Please find more information here.

About Eaton:

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come. 

Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. Eaton entered the Asia-Pacific market during the 1970s and has grown significantly since then. Eaton moved its Asia-Pacific headquarters from Hong Kong to Shanghai in 2004. Today, Eaton has nearly 18,000 employees and 33 manufacturing facilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About TD SYNNEX:

TD SYNNEX is the Japanese subsidiary of TD SYNNEX Corporation, a world-class IT distributor based in the United States. Leveraging its global network spanning over 1,500 manufacturers in 100 countries, TD SYNNEX is a solutions aggregator that combines domestic and international products and services to provide optimal IT solutions for customers’ business challenges, in addition to its traditional wholesale business. We are committed to contributing to Japanese customers and the local community through technology. For more information, visit https://jp.tdsynnex.com/.

Contact:

Janelle Wong, RICE Communications, eaton@ricecomms.com

Vietnam’s leading travel agencies thrive with Amadeus technology

HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amadeus, the leading global travel technology provider, has expanded its footprint in Vietnam recently by providing some of the nation’s top online travel consolidators and startups with advanced technology solutions.

These successful technology deployments and the latest industry trends were discussed in depth recently at an Amadeus hosted event which brought together some of Vietnam’s fastest growing travel agencies. Travel players in the market are seeing opportunities in adopting the latest travel technology to help grow and scale their businesses.

Dang Hoang Tung – Executive Board Member Senior Advisor to Chairwoman, Hong Ngoc Ha Travel – says, “As one of Vietnam’s leading travel agencies, Hong Ngoc Ha Travel consistently embraces technology innovation as a key driver for our long-term growth. Our partnership with Amadeus is a strategic step that aligns with our broader digitalization roadmap, and one that reflects our commitment to building future-ready B2B capabilities. Together, we successfully developed a scalable, insight-driven B2B platform tailored to the needs of our nationwide sub-agent network. Amadeus’ robust technology and deep industry expertise help us optimize internal workflows, enhance connectivity, and deliver greater value to our partners. This technology partnership is not only a key milestone in our digital journey, but also a strategic investment that ensures we continue to grow and lead in an ever fast-changing market.”

Amadeus has been partnering with online travel consolidators and startups of all sizes across Vietnam to help transform their abilities in the digital space.

“Én Vi ệt chose to partner with Amadeus due to their proven expertise in travel technology and commitment to innovation. Our digital transformation project with Amadeus enabled us to build a robust B2B platform, streamlining operations and empowering our sub-agent network with greater efficiency. Throughout the implementation, Amadeus provided exceptional support, ensuring a seamless process and aligning with our vision for digital transformation. We are proud to collaborate with Amadeus and look forward to future growth together, says Tony Dong – VP, Én Vi ệt .

Amadeus empowers travel players to develop their online platforms by offering customized solutions that streamline operations and enable greater independence through automation.

Ramona Bohwongprasert, SVP – Southeast Asia, Inside Sales & Startups APAC, Travel Sellers Amadeus says, Vietnam is a fast growing market for travel and Amadeus is pleased to be working with the leading travel agencies and startups in the country to grow their businesses. Amadeus has made great strides in helping the industry in Vietnam thrive in the digital world. We have been working closely on implementing the latest cloud based technology solutions that enable agencies of all shapes and sizes to grow and scale their businesses. The breakthroughs we’ve seen so far are remarkable, including empowering consolidators to launch their own B2B platforms that help decentralize digital ticketing capabilities, promote innovation, and build a more dynamic and competitive sub-agent ecosystem. We are honored to have strong partners in Vietnam like Hong Ngoc Ha Travel, Én Vi ệt and PNR Travel and we look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

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Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia

President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Photo credit: Ekaterina Chesnokova, brics-russia2024.ru)

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphadone has reaffirmed Laos’ interest in joining BRICS, a key alliance of emerging economies, stating that the country is currently in the process of studying the requirements for membership.

Speaking at the Russia-Laos Business Dialogue during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on 4 September, Sonexay said, “We intend to become a member of the BRICS; we are currently in the stage of studying this issue.” 

He praised the bloc’s economic growth and growing global influence, adding that BRICS has delivered “significant results” in fostering regional and global development.

His comments, reported by the Russian Satellite News Agency, come as Laos continues to position itself for greater participation in multilateral frameworks that emphasize South-South cooperation, economic sovereignty, and a multipolar global order.

A New Attempt

But this is not the first time Laos has expressed interest in joining BRICS. 

During the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith made a formal appeal for full membership at the BRICS Plus/Outreach plenary session.

“We are ready to raise the level of our interaction with BRICS on a wide range of issues. We hope for your support and acceptance of Laos as a future member of the BRICS group,” President Thongloun said, directly addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kazan Summit, a key event under Russia’s 2024 BRICS chairmanship, also saw the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, which outlined the bloc’s stance on global issues, economic cooperation, and regional conflicts. 

It also marked the first participation of new BRICS members , Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia , who officially joined the bloc on 1 January, 2024.

At this year’s Eastern Economic Forum, Prime Minister Siphadone also held a bilateral meeting with President Putin. “It is a great honour for me to visit Russia again after almost 38 years,” he said, highlighting the strengthening of Lao-Russian relations. Putin echoed this sentiment, welcoming the Lao delegation and emphasizing that bilateral ties are advancing across all sectors.

In July, President Putin had also met with President Thongloun in Moscow. 

At that time, the Russian leader noted a 60 percent increase in trade turnover between the two countries in 2024, with an additional 20 percent growth recorded from January to May.

Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Regional Edition Showcases Asia’s Trailblazing Enterprises Driving Sustainable Growth

SINGAPORE, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The spotlight shone on Asia’s boldest leaders and visionary enterprises at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Regional Edition, where industry trailblazers were celebrated for their ability to embrace disruption, spark innovation, and deliver sustainable growth in the new economy. Organized by leading regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the prestigious awards ceremony took place on 5 September 2025 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Regional Edition Showcases Asia’s Trailblazing Enterprises Driving Sustainable Growth
Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Regional Edition Showcases Asia’s Trailblazing Enterprises Driving Sustainable Growth

The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Ismail Mohamad Bkri, Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore; and Mr. Thomas Ardian Siregar, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore.

With the theme ‘Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises’, the APEA 2025 Regional Edition honored outstanding businesses and leaders from across Asia who embody resilience, foresight, and strategic agility. These entrepreneurs and enterprises have proven their ability to future-proof their operations amid rapid technological and economic shifts, setting the pace for the region’s business community.

Over 100 nominees underwent a rigorous judging process by a distinguished panel of experts, who assessed them on operational excellence, leadership, business performance, and long-term impact. The crème de la crème of Asia’s entrepreneurial landscape emerged as winners across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Since 2007, the Awards has been organized all over the region with past recipients comprising Mr. Kwek Leng Beng of Hong Leong Group Singapore, Thailand’s Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group, Mainland China’s Xu RongMao of Shimao Group, Hong Kong’s Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group, TTC Vietnam’s Dang Van Thanh, Indonesia’s Hary Tanoesoedibjo of MNC Group, India’s Adi Godrej of Godrej Group, the Philippines’ Manuel Villar of Vista Land, and Cuckoo Malaysia’s Hoe Kian Choon.

Enterprise Asia’s President Richard Tsang opened the ceremony with a powerful message, underscoring that the enterprises thriving amid disruption are those unafraid to challenge conventions, harness transformative technologies, and deliver impact beyond profits. He stressed that today’s most visionary organizations recognize the deep links between economies, societies, and the environment, and are boldly shaping a business landscape that is both sustainable and inclusive.

This year’s distinguished awardees comprise inspiring leaders under the Master Entrepreneur category such as Ma Ya Fen, Founder & CEO of KOI Cafe Group(S) Pte Ltd and KOI The Singapore Pte Ltd; and Tan Soo Phor (A.K.A. Jenny Chuang), Founder & Managing Director of Malaysia’s Sydney Cake House Sdn Bhd, recognized for steering their organizations to global prominence with vision and resilience.

Awardees under the Inspirational Brand category include the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Dubai Land Department. Rising stars such as Indonesia’s Evowaste Technology by PT Kindred Group Indonesia and Singapore’s Witthal International Pte Ltd took home the Fast Enterprise Award, while industry titans including Thailand’s Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited and Hong Kong’s Swiss-Belhotel International are celebrated under the Corporate Excellence category.

Prior to the APEA 2025 Regional Edition, the Asia Economic Forum (AEF) 2025 took place earlier in the day, convening over 300 C-suite executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across Asia.

Under the theme ‘Building Future-Ready Enterprises for Sustainable Growth’, the Forum provided a dynamic platform for leaders to exchange ideas, explore transformative strategies, and share actionable insights on navigating disruption, harnessing innovation, and embedding sustainability into core business models. Designed to address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving economic landscape, the Forum empowered participants with the knowledge and networks needed to drive long-term growth and resilience.

At the Forum’s opening, Tan Sri. Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of Enterprise Asia, emphasized the urgency for enterprises to adapt to technological disruption while anchoring their growth strategies in inclusivity and sustainability. He called on leaders to rethink traditional models, collaborate across sectors, and commit to building resilient enterprises capable of thriving in an unpredictable global economy.

The Forum featured distinguished speakers such as Eleonore Dachicourt, BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s Managing Director and Head of Sustainability of Asia; Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer of City Developments Limited (CDL); Steven Yates, Director & Global Chief Commercial and Technology Officer of Alumni Services; alongside other esteemed experts who shared forward-looking perspectives on building enterprises that are agile, innovative, and sustainable.

The AEF 2025 and APEA 2025 Regional Edition are supported by the Business Indonesia Singapore Association (BISA), Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council Limited (HKYIC), International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong (ICC-HK), Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC), Myanmar Business Executives Association (MBE), Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors (MACD), and Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC), with PR Newswire as the Official News Release Distribution Partner, and Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine as the Media Partners.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS (APEA) 2025 REGIONAL EDITION

MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY

NAME

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

COUNTRY/ MARKET

ZEENATH KURAISHA

CEO

ASIA PACIFIC SALES & MARKETING ACADEMY PTE LTD

EDUCATION & TRAINING

SINGAPORE

GOH GUO HUA ROBIN

FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

JNR ENTERTAINMENT PRIVATE LIMITED

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SINGAPORE

MA YA FEN

FOUNDER & CEO

KOI CAFE GROUP(S) PTE LTD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

MA YA FEN

FOUNDER & CEO

KOI THE SINGAPORE PTE LTD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

FRANCIS LAU CHOO YEW

FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

LCY DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD.

CONSTRUCTION

BRUNEI

TAN SOO PHOR (A.K.A. JENNY CHUANG)

FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

SYDNEY CAKE HOUSE SDN BHD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

MALAYSIA

NURUL HAKIMI HAQUE FAZLUL HAQUE

CEO

TODAK CULTURE SDN BHD

RETAIL

MALAYSIA

FOO YONG KIANG

MANAGING DIRECTOR

TTS GROUP PTE LTD

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SINGAPORE

 

DATO SRI MOHD SHAMIL NGOH BIN ABDULLAH

CEO

 

VILLAGE PARK RESTAURANT

FOOD & BEVERAGE

MALAYSIA

 

FAST ENTERPRISE CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

COUNTRY/ MARKET

ASE EDUCATION GROUP PTE LTD

EDUCATION & TRAINING

SINGAPORE

CA LAB PTE. LTD.

TRADING & WHOLESALING

SINGAPORE

EVOWASTE TECHNOLOGY BY PT KINDRED GROUP INDONESIA

WASTE MANAGEMENT

INDONESIA

KOI CAFE GROUP(S) PTE LTD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

NSJ WELLNESS LIFESTYLES PRIVATE LIMITED

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

SINGAPORE

SILVERSEA MEDIA (S) PTE. LTD.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SINGAPORE

WITTHAL INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD

TRADING & WHOLESALING

SINGAPORE

 

INSPIRATIONAL BRAND CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

COUNTRY/ MARKET

CHIANG HENG GOLD & DIAMOND SDN. BHD.

RETAIL

MALAYSIA

D’PENYETZ GROUP (SINGAPORE)

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

DUBAI LAND DEPARTMENT

REAL ESTATE

U.A.E.

ELECTRICITY GENERATING AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (EGAT)

ENERGY

THAILAND

PROVINCIAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY (PEA)

ENERGY

THAILAND

PT BERDIKARI INTI GEMILANG

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

INDONESIA

PT OUS NUSANTARA INDONESIA

WELLNESS

INDONESIA

TODAK CULTURE SDN BHD

RETAIL

MALAYSIA

TTS GROUP PTE LTD

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SINGAPORE

YAYASAN WAQAF MALAYSIA

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MALAYSIA

 

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

COUNTRY/ MARKET

CENTRAL RETAIL CORPORATION PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED

RETAIL

THAILAND

DUBAI ELECTRICITY AND WATER AUTHORITY

UTILITIES

U.A.E.

ELECTRICITY GENERATING AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (EGAT)

ENERGY

THAILAND

GFM SERVICES BERHAD

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

MALAYSIA

INCHCAPE SHIPPING SERVICES (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

SINGAPORE

KAPLAN HIGHER EDUCATION ACADEMY

EDUCATION & TRAINING

SINGAPORE

KOI CAFE GROUP(S) PTE LTD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

KOI THE SINGAPORE PTE LTD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

SINGAPORE

LCY DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD.

CONSTRUCTION

BRUNEI

MALAYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA COMMISSION (MCMC)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ICT

MALAYSIA

NAGAWORLD LIMITED

HOSPITALITY, FOOD SERVICE & TOURISM

CAMBODIA

PROSEGUR SINGAPORE PTE LTD

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

SINGAPORE

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL

HOSPITALITY, FOOD SERVICE & TOURISM

HONG KONG

SYDNEY CAKE HOUSE SDN BHD

FOOD & BEVERAGE

MALAYSIA

TERUMO BCT ASIA PTE LTD

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL & BIOTECHNOLOGY

SINGAPORE

VERDANT ENERGY PTE LTD

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SINGAPORE

 

About Asia Economic Forum (AEF)

Launched in 2012, the Asia Economic Forum serves as an open platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and C-level executives to unite and shape regional initiatives to improve the well-being of communities. Please visit https://economicforum.asia/ for more information.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.

Vantage Vietnam Introduces Swap-Free Trading, Enhanced IB System, and 24/7 Local Support

HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets is proud to announce three major upgrades in Vietnam, all officially launched on September 1st, 2025. These initiatives further demonstrate Vantage’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions, rewarding partnerships, and unmatched client support.


Vantage now offers Swap-Free Trading in Vietnam, exempting designated trades from long-term holding fees. Unlike many crypto platforms where overnight or long-term positions incur extra costs, swap-free trading ensures clients retain more of their profits. This feature is particularly valuable for traders who prefer to hold positions for longer durations without worrying about hidden charges eating into their earnings.

Vantage has also rolled out a new two-level IB referral commission model. This allows anyone to join the program and earn commissions not just from their direct referrals, but also from the referrals made by their network. Key benefits include:

  • Faster, more convenient account opening
  • Clear and transparent commission rules
  • Smarter and more efficient backend management
  • Flexible data display and improved user experience

With these enhancements, IB partners can accelerate their business growth while enjoying a seamless, rewarding experience.
Vantage Vietnam also offers true 24/7 customer service, making us the only broker in the market to deliver continuous, real-person support—day and night. Unlike others who rely on bots, Vantage ensures that every client query is handled promptly and professionally by dedicated local support teams.

Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, said: “These upgrades in Vietnam show our commitment to not only providing advanced trading solutions but also creating a supportive ecosystem for our clients and partners. By combining swap-free trading, a stronger IB program, and genuine 24/7 local support, we are empowering traders in Vietnam to trade with greater confidence and trust.”

As the brokerage industry evolves rapidly, Vantage has distinguished itself through user-friendly platforms, competitive pricing, robust security measures, and educational resources that cater to both beginner and advanced traders. Visit Vantage Markets website, for more information about Vantage’s services and upcoming initiatives.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that provide clients access to trading opportunities.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

Leaft Foods Partners with Lacto Japan to Introduce Revolutionary Leaf Rubisco Protein to Japanese Market

Strategic partnership leverages Lacto’s market expertise to bring next-generation protein to Japan’s innovation-driven food manufacturers 

ROLLESTON, New Zealand and TOKYO, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leaft Foods, a company that harnesses the planet’s most plentiful protein extracted directly from green leaves to make industry-defining products, today announced a strategic partnership with Lacto Japan Co., Ltd., a leading distributor and producer of specialty food ingredients. The collaboration will accelerate the commercialization of Leaft’s groundbreaking Rubisco Protein Isolate within Japan’s sophisticated food manufacturing sector. 
 
Leaft’s Rubisco Protein Isolate represents a paradigm shift in the protein industry. What makes Rubisco so unique is that it combines nutritional and functional properties that outperform animal incumbents like whey protein. Leaf Rubisco also delivers an amino acid profile superior to whey protein, setting a new gold standard for protein nutrition.

Beyond its exceptional nutritional profile, Leaf Rubisco offers outstanding food functionality, capable of replacing eggs, emulsifiers, and gelling agents while enabling food manufacturers to substitute artificial ingredients with a clean-label protein that humans have consumed throughout history. This performance is delivered through a commercialized production system that is backed by forward contracts and satisfies both quality and sustainability imperatives.

Lacto Japan brings decades of experience connecting ingredient companies from New Zealand and Australia with major players in the Japanese food industry. The company’s deep integration within the sector and proven track record with protein ingredients made them the ideal partner for Leaft’s debut in Japan, renowned as a global hub for food innovation. Broadly, the partnership aligns with Leaft’s global commercial strategy, which focuses on innovation-driven markets where demand for next-generation proteins is rapidly accelerating. 
 
“It has been tremendously exciting to work with Lacto, a capable and innovative partner, as we’ve sought to enter the sophisticated Japanese market,” said John Penno, co-founder of Leaft Foods. “Lacto’s role as our trusted local collaborator has been invaluable in providing essential market and supply chain intelligence and relationship management that can enable successful market penetration.”
 
“It is not every day that you discover such an exciting new protein,” said Takeshi Shimizu General Manager Oceania at Lacto Japan. “What impressed us most was not only the protein system itself, but the fact that we have been able to work with it in a range of promising applications from the start. The quality, texture and flavor of the foods produced meet the exceptionally high standards that Japanese consumers expect.”
 
The companies are already engaged with several of Japan’s most important food manufacturers across plant-based foods, bakery products, and sports nutrition categories, demonstrating early market validation for the innovative protein. Their goal is to build a business worth tens of millions of dollars (USD) over the next five years.
 
About Leaft Foods

Leaft Foods harnesses the planet’s most plentiful protein, extracted directly from green leaves, to make industry-defining products with a fraction of the carbon footprint of conventional dairy protein. Leaft’s allergen-free Rubisco protein matches animal proteins in digestibility and nutritional profile and allows their farmer-growers to diversify how they use their land. Founded in New Zealand by highly experienced corporate leaders John Penno and Maury Leyland, who bring deep expertise in food and farming, and led by food industry veteran Ross Milne, Leaft has evolved from a kitchen experiment into a proven sustainable protein solution for pasture-based agricultural economies worldwide. Now accelerating its expansion with a focus on the United States, the company’s transformative approach has attracted diverse backers including prominent Silicon Valley firm Khosla Ventures, NBA basketball star Steven Adams, indigenous investor Ngāi Tahu and ACC’s Climate Change Impact Fund. Learn more at LeaftFoods.com.

About Lacto Japan Co., Ltd. 

Lacto Japan is a leading supplier of dairy and food ingredients in Asia, specializing in the import, distribution, and marketing of high-quality dairy products, proteins, and food materials. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company partners with global producers to provide innovative solutions to food manufacturers across Japan and beyond. With a strong reputation for reliability, quality assurance, and market expertise, Lacto Japan serves as a trusted link between international ingredient producers and the Japanese food industry. The company is publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 3139).

Melitta Group becomes official coffee partner of Real Madrid

  • Cooperation with one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs creates visibility among the largest sports fan base worldwide
  • Melitta will be the exclusive coffee partner of Real Madrid for the next five years
  • Extensive communications and marketing package agreed for the women’s and men’s teams

MINDEN, Germany, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the start of the 2025/26 season, the Melitta Group will be the official coffee partner of Real Madrid, one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world. Melitta will provide the Bernabéu, training ground and offices with coffee machines, coffee and service for the next 5 years. The partnership also includes a comprehensive package of communication and marketing activities. The agreements apply to both the women’s and men’s teams.

Increasing brand awareness and perception

“We are delighted about the partnership with Real Madrid, a club with a unique history of success and global appeal,” says Jero Bentz, member of the management board and great-grandson of company founder Melitta Bentz. “This cooperation will increase global awareness and perception of our brand. The commitment is a valuable part of our long-term corporate strategy, which is focused on growth and internationalization.”

Emilio Butragueño, Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid, adds: “We are very excited to be working with the Melitta Group. In them, we have found a strong partner who shares our values of excellence, quality, and passion.”

Numerous joint communication activities

As the official and exclusive coffee partner, the Melitta Group will be providing the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with over 60 professional XT6 fully automatic coffee machines and over 150 Barista TS machines in the VIP and general spectator areas, as well as the club grounds, including the training centre and all office areas. The Melitta Group will also have numerous opportunities for communication. These include perimeter advertising, marketing activities in the stadium, access to players, joint events, online and social media activities.

Next logical step after successful collaboration with Manchester United

The partnership with Real Madrid is a seamless continuation of the Melitta Group’s successful collaboration with Manchester United, which ended in 2025 after eight years. “The partnership with Manchester United was a great success for us. It significantly increased our brand awareness and sustainably boosted interest in our products – from coffee and coffee accessories to household products – among the target groups we wanted to reach,” says Patrick Schenk, responsible for sports partnerships at the Melitta Group. “The partnership with Real Madrid is now the logical next step in further expanding the successful model of global sponsorship.”

Real Madrid is one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world. The club has won the Champions League 15 times and the Spanish league 36 times. With around 750 million fans and 584 million social media followers, Real Madrid is the football club with the widest reach worldwide. Every year, around 3.5 million people visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which hosts over 250 events per year. Real Madrid’s women’s team is a multiple Champions League participant and runner-up in the Primera Division.

International, national, and regional sports partnerships

The Melitta Group’s sports sponsorship has strong roots in international, national, and regional sports. Sports partnerships are currently in place with Borussia Dortmund, Arminia Bielefeld, Minas Tenis Clube, GWD Minden, Bessel-Ruder-Club, and Minden Wolves.

– Picture is available at AP –

Corporate Communication & Sustainability
Melitta Group Management GmbH & Co. KG
pr@melitta.de 
www.melitta-group.com