SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascentium, a leading global business services platform headquartered in Singapore, is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INSEAD, one of the world’s foremost and largest graduate business schools, to launch the inaugural Ascentium-INSEAD Leadership Development Programme. This bespoke initiative is designed invest in our leadership within Ascentium, underscoring the company’s commitment to building a resilient leadership pipeline.

The full-time residential programme, tailored specifically for Ascentium’s C-suite executives, will take place from 25–29 August 2025 at the INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore. It will bring together top talents identified for their potential to assume senior business roles.

The curriculum, developed in collaboration with INSEAD’s Global Private Equity Initiative (GPEI), focuses on the theme “The Strategic Leader – Shaping Private Equity Success”. Participants will engage in immersive workshops, simulations, and case studies covering topics such as strategic growth in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) world, stakeholder expectations, and innovation in tech and AI.

“As we navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by rapid technological change and macroeconomic uncertainty, our partnership with INSEAD is a strategic step to future-proof our leadership,” said Lennard Yong, Founding Management & Group CEO of Ascentium. “Many corporations aspire to put people first, but at Ascentium, we turn that aspiration into action. By investing in our top leadership and sponsoring a residential programme at INSEAD, we empower our global talent to achieve competitive excellence.”

“Ascentium is a fascinating company. Only recently born, it already has achieved outstanding growth, despite operating in a highly competitive and mature industry with formidable competitors. Ascentium’s leaders have a clear vision and strategy to achieve it, as well as a proven track record in doing so,” said Professor Philipp Meyer-Doyle, Programme Director for Ascentium, INSEAD. “I am truly impressed by Ascentium’s dedication to investing and developing its human capital resources which is outstanding in an industry that is often dominated by margins and short-term oriented mindsets. We look forward to our partnership with Ascentium, to these customised programmes, and to helping Ascentium scale greater heights.”

The Ascentium-INSEAD Leadership Development Programme is the first step in a multi-year partnership that reflects Ascentium’s long-term commitment to professional development. It marks a milestone in the company’s journey to build a culture of excellence, ambition, and stewardship, and is testament to the belief that investing in people is investing in the future.

About Ascentium

Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise and comprehensive one-stop solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, HR services, and fiduciary and trust services. Our team of 2,300+ professionals spans 45 cities across 23 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, serving 50,000+ client entities across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments.

For more information, please visit ascentium.com.

About INSEAD

As one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity. Our global perspective and unparalleled cultural diversity are reflected in our research, teaching, partnerships; as well as in our alumni network of over 71,000 members spanning 172 nationalities.

With locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), and North America (San Francisco), INSEAD’s business education and research spans four regions. Our 160 renowned Faculty members from 38 countries inspire more than 1,500 degree participants annually in our Master in Management, MBA, Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master’s degrees (Executive Master in Finance and Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 18,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has hand-picked Asia’s most feline-friendly destinations to cater to cat enthusiasts across the continent. From charming villages to bustling cities, these locations offer unique experiences for travelers looking to celebrate their love for cats.

For many, encountering a cat while traveling adds a sprinkle of magic to the experience. Wandering through unfamiliar streets with a furry friend nearby or finding a Zen moment with a temple cat transforms ordinary trips into extraordinary tales. Whether it’s the playful antics of street cats or the serene presence of temple felines, these destinations provide a purr-fect backdrop for unforgettable adventures.

1. Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan
   Once a mining village, Houtong has transformed into a cat haven. The village is filled with cat-themed decorations, cafes, and, of course, plenty of cats. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls while interacting with the friendly feline residents, making it a must-visit for cat lovers.
2. Jiufen, Taiwan
   This charming mountain town is not only famous for its scenic views and tea houses but also for its resident cats that roam the streets and welcome visitors. The combination of breathtaking landscapes and feline companionship makes Jiufen a delightful destination for those seeking a unique travel experience.
3. Kuching, Malaysia
   Often referred to as the “City of Cats,” Kuching features cat statues, a cat museum, and a generally feline-friendly atmosphere. The city’s dedication to celebrating cats is evident in its cultural landmarks, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a truly cat-centric environment.
4. Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
   Known as the birthplace of the “Maneki-neko” or “beckoning cat,” this temple is filled with thousands of cat statues, believed to bring good luck and fortune. The serene setting and rich history make Gotokuji Temple a fascinating stop for cat enthusiasts exploring Tokyo.
5. Si Yaek Huatakhe Cafe & Guesthouse, Bangkok, Thailand
   In the Lat Krabang area, cat boat tours offer a unique experience of cruising through the canals with feline companions. Visitors can enjoy canal sightseeing alongside resident cats, who sometimes even jump between boats. Additionally, some tours focus on environmental efforts, providing an enriching experience for cat lovers who also care about sustainability.

Jun Dong, Associate Vice President at Agoda shared, “Every cat lover deserves a pawsome adventure. With the best deals on accommodations, flights, and activities, Agoda helps travelers discover the most charming feline-friendly spots across Asia, ensuring that their favorite furry friends are never too far away.”

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 cat-themed adventure. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the world’s leading 3D printer manufacturer Creality is launching K2 and K2 Pro, an expansion to its flagship K series. Based on an ultra-sturdy metal build and an advanced step-servo system, the flagship K2 lineup introduces multicolour & multi-material printing, AI functions, and next-gen performance at two different build volumes, making the most powerful K series Creality has to offer.

CFS-Powered Capabilities and Features

Following last year’s K2 Plus, K2 and K2 Pro are also built for multicolour and multi-material printing. Both models can be paired with CFS for multicolour printing (up to 4 CFS units for a maximum of 16 colours) or to create snap-away or water-soluble support for minimal post-processing. Creality’s CFS also functions as a smart filament system that automatically identifies the colour and filament type you are using (requires Creality RFID filaments) or, upon filament runs out, it automatically relays printing if the same filament is detected in another slot. When not printing, the CFS keeps filaments dry and ready to print with built-in desiccants. The built-in display on CFS shows the humidity and temperature inside and how many CFS are connected.

Ultra-Sturdy Metal Build

The K2 and K2 Pro, featuring die-cast aluminium alloy frame parts, offer a rock-solid platform for the toolhead’s movement. The X-axis is a rigid steel linear rail that is highly resistant to wear, delivering consistent precision over time. Paired with a step-servo motor system, the printer achieves ultra-fine extrusion for exquisite print details — all while maintaining smooth operation at speeds up to 600 mm/s and acceleration of 20,000 mm/s² (K2 Plus accelerates at a maximum 30,000 mm/s²).

Next-Gen Performance Advancements

Active chamber heating is the vital feature that sets K2 Plus and K2 Pro apart from common 3D printers. The active chamber heating (up to 60 °C/140 °F), coupled with an enclosure, a powerful part cooling fan (K2 Plus has two), and a hardened steel nozzle (up to 40 mm³/s) that is abrasive-resistant, empowers the K2 Pro to tackle demanding and even ultra-high-performance filaments like PA-CF and PPA-CF. While K2 does not feature active chamber heating, K2 performs reliably well with popular engineering filaments such as ABS and PLA-CF.

Cameras for AI Functions

The K2 Series is now even smarter with integrated cameras for AI functions. All three K2 models now feature a chamber-mounted AI camera that enables intelligent error detection, such as spaghetti warning and build plate check — reminding users if the heatbed is empty without a build plate, not an uncommon scenario for makers or print farmers during continuous printing. K2 Pro goes even further with the extra nozzle AI camera, unlocking advanced capabilities like auto-adjusting flow rate and detecting waste chute blockage to secure a higher printing success rate, especially for multicolour printing.

More Features from K2 and K2 Pro

Both K2 and K2 Pro feature Creality’s next-generation levelling method — Smart Auto Levelling, which speeds up bed levelling by probing only where your model will be printed. Connectivity options include USB and 2.4G Wi-Fi on both models, while K2 Pro adds an Ethernet port for enhanced professional workflows. A responsive 4-inch touchscreen makes navigating the interface effortless. Activate Quiet Mode to get an ultra-quiet printing experience. K2 has built-in 8GB of ROM, and K2 Pro has 32GB of ROM — ideal for handling more model files.

Pricing and Availability

K2 and K2 Pro will be available in both standard and combo versions. K2 starts at $549 for the standard model, and $699 for the combo. K2 Pro starts at $849 for the standard model, and $1049 for the combo. Available to order on August 25 — through Creality Official Store, Amazon, and authorised partners.

About Creality

Started in 2014, Creality has been dedicated to making 3D printing accessible to more. The Ender-3, originally launched in 2017, has become one of the best-selling 3D printers. The current flagship K series keeps pushing the limits of what the next-gen maker machines should be like. Other notable series include the Ender, Hi, and CR lineup.

In-house developed software like Creality Print and Creality Cloud App builds a seamless workflow. With a variety of filaments, 3D scanners, laser engravers, and related accessories and parts, Creality offers a one-stop 3D printing solution, bringing infinite possibilities for global makers.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blitz Electric Mobility (Blitz), Indonesia’s leading EV logistics enabler, has closed a Pre-Series A funding round led by Malaysia-based Vynn Capital. 

This investment marks Vynn Capital’s ongoing commitment through its mobility and supply chain fund, with participation from existing Blitz investor Iterative Capital. The round also brings in notable new backers, including former Andreessen Horowitz general partner Balaji Srinivasan, ex‑PayPal exec Rajesh Venkatesh, and Vinner Ventures. These add to Blitz’s roster of impact-driven institutional investors such as Asian Development Bank (ADB) Ventures, FiveFortyAlpha, BonBillo Fund, and Peak XV.

A Business Model Built for Scale and Sustainability 

Blitz’s asset-light, tech-first approach places it at the forefront of sustainable logistics in Indonesia’s last-mile delivery market. The company addresses three critical challenges: meeting instant delivery demands, overcoming the complexities of scaling in-house logistics, and enabling cleaner, electrified infrastructure. Blitz empowers businesses with scalable, same-day, and instant delivery without the need to own or manage their own fleet assets. 

Blitz operates a growing pool of thousands of gig couriers, providing tailored B2B logistics solutions that include: 

• 1- to 12-hour instant and same-day deliveries
• Integrated white-label logistics services
• Comprehensive delivery management under clients’ own brands 

Unlike other players, Blitz has built a unique model designed for sustainable margins, long-term client partnerships, and embedded EV financing for gig workers. 

In 2024, Blitz had tripled its revenue while cutting its burn rate by over 70%, significantly optimising its operational costs. With a disciplined strategy, the company has achieved substantial profitability improvements.

Now entering a new chapter of disciplined, sustainable growth, Blitz plans to use its secured funding to accelerate expansion across Indonesia. With a sharper focus on efficiency, quality clients, and scalable operations, the company is aligning its resources to drive stronger unit economics and long-term value. This renewed strategy positions Blitz to move confidently toward profitability while continuing to deliver impact at scale. 

“The initial growth phase is behind us. Now, our focus is disciplined scaling. That means maximizing what works and discontinuing what doesn’t,” said Saivya Chauhan, Founder and CEO of Blitz. “This funding reflects confidence in our proven model and positions us to secure capital aligned with our long-term objectives,” added William So, Co-Founder and CFO of Blitz. 

“Blitz is solving a fundamental challenge for businesses in Southeast Asia: how to scale logistics rapidly without the overhead of owning infrastructure,” said Victor Chua, Vynn Capital’s Founding & Managing Partner. “Their model empowers brands to meet growing delivery expectations with speed, reliability, and sustainability. As we double down on our mobility and supply chain thesis, Blitz stands out as a commercially disciplined operator ready to reshape how businesses move goods across the region.”

Blitz’s Key Milestones in 2024 and 2025: Partnerships and Innovation 

• Forbes Under 30: Blitz and CEO Saivya Chauhan named to Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Consumer & Enterprise Technology (Class of 2025).
• NVIDIA Inception Partnership: Selected for NVIDIA’s Inception program, gaining advanced AI tools for routing, driver performance analytics, and SLA forecasting.
• Grab Ventures Collaboration: Integrated Blitz’s EV fleet with Grab’s platform, enhancing sustainable last-mile delivery.
• Operational Scale: Completed over 14 million deliveries, deployed over 1,000 EV bikes, and logged 220 million electric kilometres.
• Market Expansion: Grew operational footprint to 60 cities, becoming Indonesia’s largest EV logistics provider. 

Market Size  

Courier, Express, and Parcel Market Size in Indonesia is estimated to be valued at US$7.86 billion in 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.24%. By the end of the decade, the market is expected to reach US$11.15 billion^[1], demonstrating significant growth driven by the increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the rapid expansion of e-commerce in the country. 

About Vynn Capital 

Vynn Capital is an industry-focused early-stage venture capital firm investing in transformative companies across mobility, travel, and supply chains. With deep local networks and a partnership-driven approach, Vynn Capital supports founders through capital and strategic collaboration. Learn more at vynncapital.com.

About Blitz 

Blitz is Indonesia’s largest and leading EV logistics enabler, providing white-labelled, instant, and same-day deliveries powered by electric vehicles and proprietary technology. Visit rideblitz.com. 

Reference: 

1. Mordor Intelligence. (2025, March 18). Mordor Intelligence. Global Information, Inc. (GII) – Premium market research reports. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/indonesia-courier-express-and-parcel-cep-market

Backed by Sennheiser’s EW-DX system, J5 Productions continues to raise the bar in live event execution

SINGAPORE, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the fast-paced world of live event production, where precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable, Singapore-based J5 Productions stands out as a key player. Founded in 2010 by Mr Justin Tan with a bold vision, J5 Productions is a technical production and media equipment rental company that has grown from a one-man operation into a team capable of producing mid to large-scale MICE events and arts festivals.

Central to J5 Productions’ continued growth and technical evolution is a long-standing partnership with Sennheiser. The company’s wireless inventory, which includes Digital 6000, EW 100 G4, EW 300 G4, as well as the 2000 series, is now further strengthened by the implementation of Sennheiser EW-DX digital wireless systems.

Simplicity and ease of use

When Sennheiser launched Evolution Wireless Digital starting with the EW-D series, it quickly caught the attention of J5’s technical team, but it was the introduction of EW-DX that truly impressed them. In late 2023, J5 Productions added 24 channels of EW-DX to their inventory and an additional 16 channels in 2024.

“We did A/B testing with our existing systems and the EW-DX, and it stood out immediately,” says Mr Justin Tan, Founder and Managing Director of J5 Productions. “It’s an extremely versatile digital all-rounder that performs equally well in conference and performance settings.”

In Singapore’s high-pressure live events scene—where time is limited, and expectations run high—streamlined workflow efficiency is essential. “There’s no time to fuss—we need equipment that’s simple, smart, and intuitive, and the EW-DX delivers exactly that,” Mr Justin explains.

Designed with the user in mind

The EW-DX system’s intuitive, user-centric design has proven invaluable for the J5 Productions team. One helpful feature is the e-ink display on the transmitters, which retains information on the display even when the device is powered off.

“During large conferences where many microphones are deployed, unlabelled microphone batteries taken out for charging can quickly lead to confusion and wasted time,” Mr Justin shares. “With the e-ink display, information is always ‘on’, and we no longer need to label the transmitters. It is a small detail, but this saves us a lot of time.”

Another standout feature that won the J5 team over is Bluetooth syncing, which speeds up deployment onsite. Combined with the Smart Assist app, technicians can monitor and control the system remotely via an iPad—no laptop or fixed workstation required.

“With the Smart Assist app, we can move freely during setup or shows while maintaining complete control over the system,” Mr Justin shares. “The user interface is clean, intuitive, and customizable—simple but effective.”

A system that scales and sustains

J5 Productions has since deployed EW-DX at many small and large scale corporate and local government events. One of the most memorable events for them included a large-scale conference, where they had to manage eight stages spanning six exhibition halls and more than 100 microphone channels.

“The Link Density Mode and equidistant channel spacing of EW-DX allow us to deploy many microphones in a congested spectrum environment. This eliminates intermodulation and simplifies frequency coordination,” Mr Justin says. “That is crucial for events with large wireless set-ups where multiple AV vendors compete for bandwidth. It also gives us the confidence to allocate frequencies to other vendors and exhibitors while maintaining performance and reliability on our end.”

Another important plus point of the EW-DX wireless microphone system is the rechargeable batteries. “We used to dispose of a large amount of AA batteries after each event. Now, we’ve significantly reduced battery waste with the use of rechargeable batteries. By cutting down on single-use batteries, the team not only reduces toxic landfill waste but also aligns with a growing industry-wide shift toward more sustainable practices. The major advantage of the EW-DX is its use of rechargeable batteries—a small change with a big environmental impact,” Mr Justin explains.

A partnership built on trust and shared passion

Beyond the product itself, Mr Justin highlights the importance of Sennheiser’s customer service and technical support. “The sales team is always responsive—whether it’s a last-minute quote or a technical query, they go above and beyond to support us,” he says. This partnership is rooted in a shared understanding of the live events industry.

From vision to reality

Mr Justin has always been an audio engineer at heart, guided by an innate passion for sound and precision. For him and his team, success isn’t just about growth—it’s about purpose.

“We are builders, engineers, and creators. To the team, there’s nothing more rewarding than building an event from the ground up—from an empty space into something extraordinary. We aim to serve our clients to the best of our abilities and improve with every project,” Mr Justin says. “Our best work should always be the next one.”

About the Sennheiser Brand – 80 Years of Building the Future of Audio

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. This passion has taken us from the world’s greatest stages to the quietest listening rooms – and made Sennheiser the name behind audio that doesn’t just sound good: It feels true. In 2025, the Sennheiser brand celebrates its 80th anniversary. Since 1945, we stand for building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers.

While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables is operated by Sonova Holding AG under the license of Sennheiser.

www.sennheiser.com 

www.sennheiser-hearing.com