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For everyone with sensitive skin: Understanding skin science with Cetaphil and its new innovative product

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cetaphil®, the trusted global leader in sensitive skincare and the No. 1 dermatological skincare brand in Malaysia*, announced a transformative rebrand with a bold shift towards an advocacy-first strategy. This new approach was unveiled at the inaugural Cetaphil SkinLABS launch and is built upon Cetaphil’s ongoing collaboration with dermatologists, while also forging new partnerships with the influencer community. This ensures expert-backed advice and education are accessible to all. In addition, Cetaphil is introducing a more innovative range with the launch of two groundbreaking products: the Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid range and the Cetaphil Baby Soothing Moisturising Cream.

For everyone with sensitive skin: Understanding skin science with Cetaphil and its new innovative product
For everyone with sensitive skin: Understanding skin science with Cetaphil and its new innovative product

A shared mission: Dermatologists, Pharmacists, KOLs, and Cetaphil

In response to the overwhelming volume of skincare advice on social media, which often leads to confusion and skin barrier damage, Cetaphil’s advocacy-first strategy prioritises empowering consumers with dermatological expertise. Recognising that a gap in dermatology knowledge can lead individuals to ill-informed sources and potentially harmful skincare practices, Cetaphil is fostering a collaborative relationship with both dermatologists and influencers to champion responsible education and advocate for gentle, yet effective skincare for all.

“Cetaphil’s commitment is to deliver science-driven solutions that cater to diverse skin needs, ensuring that everyone—regardless of skin type or concern—has access to effective, clinically proven skincare,” says Ms Cindy Tiu, Country Manager of Galderma Malaysia.  

Sensitive skin: Efficacy without compromise 

Sensitive skin affects an estimated 50% Malaysian adults. Despite this staggering prevalence, a longstanding misconception has hindered the sensitive skin category’s growth: products designed for sensitive skin were often viewed as too gentle or lacking efficacy.  

Cetaphil has decisively debunked this notion, delivering effective skincare solutions that protect the skin barrier without compromising results. 

 “For over 75 years, Cetaphil has been relentlessly pushing boundaries and advancing skin science so that everyone can feel free to be their most authentic self. At Cetaphil, we are for everyone’s sensitive skin,” says Ms Cindy Tiu, Cetaphil Country Manager, Malaysia.

New innovations for every sensitive skin need

Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser and Lotion is a powerful duo. It harnesses three gentle acids—PHA (Gluconolactone) for moisture and hydration, AHA (Mandelic acid) for tone and cell turnover, and BHA (Salicylic acid) to remove oil and reduce redness—to gently exfoliate without irritation. This unique blend promotes cell renewal for softer, more radiant skin after just one use, clinically reducing blemishes by 28% and blackheads by 45% for acne prone skin. It also boosts all 15 essential ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier, with the lotion providing 48-hour hydration.

  • Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser: This cleanser effectively removes impurities and gently exfoliates, leaving skin feeling softer and smoother after just one use. 90% of users agreed skin felt smoother and softer after a single use.
  • Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion: Clinically proven to deliver fast, visible improvements in skin texture and tone, this lotion provides an immediate 83% increase in hydration and sustains it for up to 48 hours, while gently exfoliating for a more even skin tone.

Understanding the unique needs of a newborn’s delicate skin, Cetaphil is also proud to introduce the NEW Cetaphil Baby Soothing Moisturising Cream, a clinically tested, fragrance-free and petroleum-jelly-free formula designed for a newborn’s delicate skin delivering three key benefits:

  • Soothes: A triple blend of Glycerin, Sunflower Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil quickly calms irritation and dryness. It restores the skin barrier and boosts moisture.
  • Hydrates: Provides up to 48 hours of lasting hydration, keeping skin soft and supple.
  • Protects: Creates a protective barrier to defend against the 5 signs of skin sensitivity. Clinically proven to improve the skin barrier from the first application for up to 8 hours, shielding against external irritants.

Immersive brand experience at the Cetaphil SkinLABS

Cetaphil SkinLABS is not just a product showcase; it is a learning journey designed to build deeper brand affinity among Gen Z and Millennial audiences to reinforce Cetaphil’s position is a lifetime skincare partner. The event brings the campaign’s ethos to life through an immersive and educational experience, reinforcing clinical trust through interactive, advocacy-first storytelling.

The event welcomed leading dermatologists, beauty and lifestyle KOLs, media, and other brand advocates, guiding them through a curated journey exploring Cetaphil’s science-backed approach. The experience featured engaging activities, dermatologist-led education talks, and demonstrations of the brand’s latest innovations. Highlights included:

  • Insights from leading dermatologists, KOL, and pharmacist, who shared their personal experiences with Cetaphil while addressing the increasing prevalence of skin sensitivity and the need for gentle skin science.
  • A walkthrough of the various zones—Hydration, Exfoliate, Radiance, and Gentle Zone—allowed guests to experience firsthand how Cetaphil products cater to sensitive skin at every stage of life.

For further details on the NEW Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser and Lotion, the NEW Cetaphil Baby Soothing Moisturising Cream or Cetaphil SkinLABS, please visit www.cetaphil.com.my or find us on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

About CETAPHIL®

More than 75 years ago, a pharmacist co-created the first Cetaphil® product with a dermatologist – a gentle, yet powerful formula would clean without stripping and moisturize without clogging. Today, Cetaphil® is the No.1 dermatological skincare brand in Malaysia* and is recognised by healthcare professionals around the world. With the help of leading global skin experts, they continue to develop innovative skincare technologies for sensitive skin that help restore, protect, and maintain skin’s health every day. For more information, visit www.CETAPHIL.com.my

*Based on internal analysis by Galderma Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. using data from the following source: IQVIA Malaysia National Sales Audit (NSA), sell-in sales units and values, total markets of ATC2: D02 – EMOLLIENTS & PROTECTIVES in all channels, for the period MAT Q1 2025, reflecting estimates of real-world activity. Copyright IQVIA. All rights reserved.

About Galderma

Galderma is the world’s largest independent dermatology company, present in approximately 100 countries. Since our inception in 1981, we have been driven by a complete dedication to dermatology. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of sophisticated brands and services across Aesthetics, Consumer Care and Prescription Medicine. Focused on the needs of consumers and patients, we work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure superior outcomes. Because we understand that the skin we’re in shapes our life stories, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com

Taiwan Taps into Singapore’s Year-End Travel Market

Inviting Singapore Residents to Embark on a Relaxing and Immersive Journey through Taiwan

SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To attract travellers during the peak year-end holiday season, Taiwan Tourism Administration, is joining hands with local governments and tourism industry stakeholders from across Taiwan to participate in Singapore’s largest outbound travel fair—NATAS Holidays 2025, taking place from August 15 to 17.

Taiwan Tourism x NATAS Holidays 2025
Taiwan Tourism x NATAS Holidays 2025

A delegation of 117 representatives from 70 organisations will showcase Taiwan’s rich tourism resources under the campaign theme “Take a Sip of Taiwan,” highlighting immersive experiences, dynamic events, and the island’s distinctive cultural charm.

According to on-site surveys from NATAS Holidays 2024, 90.1% of respondents had previously visited Taiwan, with nearly half having visited three times or more, reflecting strong interest in Taiwan. Singapore continues to top global rankings in economic competitiveness, with high outbound travel spending. Coupled with frequent direct flights, shared languages, and cultural similarities, Taiwan and Singapore enjoy ideal conditions for bilateral tourism growth.

Based on statistics from Taiwan Tourism Administration, a total of 169,614 Singapore travellers visited Taiwan as of May 2025, demonstrating stable market performance. A Visa research report further noted that Singapore residents’ outbound travel spending from the end of 2024 to the Lunar New Year in 2025 hit a record high, signaling a continued rise in international travel demand. This presents a critical opportunity to capture the attention of Singapore residents as they plan their year-end holidays.

Creative Showcase of Taiwan’s Slow Travel Charm

This year’s Taiwan Pavilion at NATAS stands out with its vibrant Taiwan Tourism 3.0 branding, featuring a visually striking design and interactive elements such as the “SHANLAN Express tourism train” photo zone—an engaging tribute to Taiwan’s scenic railway journeys. The “Take a Sip of Taiwan” concept is woven into a variety of activities to showcase the island’s renowned hospitality and culinary diversity. From lush mountain landscapes and seasonal beauty to artistic crafts and cultural depth, the pavilion presents a one-stop journey through Taiwan, offering visitors a taste of slow, meaningful travel.

Daily interactive experiences will include layering stamp collection, survey for prize giveaways, and lucky draws—with those purchasing Taiwan travel packages at NATAS able to redeem exclusive gift sets and stand a chance to win free stays at luxury hotels. Additionally, Taiwan’s “Star Hotel” and “Taiwan Host” will host on-site activities such as quizzes and social media challenges, participants will enter a draw to win round-trip flights from Singapore to Taiwan.

The pavilion also features hands-on cultural zones. The Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association will present a DIY fan-painting workshop, participants can illustrate local flora and fauna, deepening their understanding of Taiwan’s agri-tourism. Premium Taiwanese tea brand “CHA SAN DAI” will engage visitors with a five-senses experience, exploring Alishan’s rich tea heritage and allowing them to package their own personalized tea sachets. Creative brand “HANDS” will demonstrate how to repurpose reclaimed wood from historic Taiwanese homes into traditional window-pattern coasters, introducing visitors to the mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship that symbolizes Taiwan’s sustainable and artisan spirit.

W.H.O Theatre to Headline Opening Performance

In a special highlight, Taiwan has been invited by the NATAS organizers to perform the opening act at the NATAS Opening Ceremony on August 15. Taiwan’s youth diabolo troupe, “W.H.O Theatre,” will present their dynamic piece “Shake It Like Boba!”—a high-energy performance inspired by bubble tea and enhanced with sound and light effects, expected to generate buzz on social media. The troupe will also perform live on both the main stage and the Taiwan Pavilion stage throughout the exhibition, engaging with visitors through captivating performances.

B2B Meetings to Deepen Trade Ties

To further strengthen bilateral tourism partnerships, Taiwan Tourism Administration will host a Taiwan Tourism Workshop on August 18 at Hilton Orchard Singapore, facilitating one-on-one business matchmaking between Taiwanese and Singapore’s travel trade professionals. The event aims to encourage collaboration in developing innovative, themed, and high-end customized travel itineraries to attract more travellers to Taiwan while enhancing service quality and product diversity.

Singapore remains one of Taiwan’s most important and stable inbound tourism markets. Looking ahead, Taiwan Tourism Administration will continue to pursue brand internationalization, market segmentation, and in-depth tourism development, leveraging diversified marketing strategies and collaborative models to elevate Taiwan’s global tourism profile.

Event Information

  • NATAS Holidays 2025

Date: August 15th (Fri.) to August 17th (Sun.), 2025

Time: 10:00~21:30

Location: Singapore Expo, 5H01

Target Audience: General public

  • Taiwan Tourism Workshop 2025

Date: August 18th, 2025 (Mon.)

Time: 13:25~17:25

Location: Singapore Hilton Orchard, Singapore

Target Audience: Taiwan and Singapore tourism industry professionals. By invitation only.

 

Tulip, Siemens, Parsec, and AVEVA Named Leaders in ABI Research’s Competitive Assessment of MES for Process Industries

LONDON, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) market has experienced significant innovation and changes in recent years, with increased focus on quality, supply chain capabilities, cybersecurity, and the expectation of robust low- or no-code functionality. These changes are all underpinned by the transition from MES to Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and the rise of AI tools augmenting solutions. ABI Research, a global technology intelligence firm, evaluated 12 MES vendors to determine which providers are sufficiently servicing the needs of process industries based on levels of innovation and implementation.

Process industries benefit significantly from tailored MES solutions due to the tightly controlled nature of their operations, often with a combination of batch and continuous production processes. These solutions must be closely integrated with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and must connect to (or include) robust recipe management functionality to ensure absolute alignment with required processes. Stringent regulatory requirements further necessitate the need for strong traceability, material management, and genealogy capabilities.

“Process manufacturers highly value comprehensive solutions that support enterprise scalability while enabling plant-level configurability,” said James Prestwood, ABI Research Industry Analyst. “MES solutions need to be easily templatized for rapid rollouts, but with the flexibility to adapt to specific plant processes. MES vendors are increasingly highlighting how they can deliver this deployment architecture out of the box to customers. For many vendors, this has extended beyond just MES solutions to complete, natively integrated technology stacks that allow for entire digital transformation journeys to be delivered across an enterprise through a single portfolio.”

Tulip, Siemens, Parsec, and AVEVA were named the leading MES vendors, with their respective solutions Frontline Operations Platform, Opcenter, TrakSYS, and AVEVA MES. Tulip tanks first overall, driven by its leading innovation score. Tulip’s ability to supply adaptable yet regulatory compliant applications for all functionality requirements is an extremely compelling value proposition. When combined with the solution’s flexible, cloud-native design, competitive price point, and excellent post-deployment support, Tulip earned its status as the Overall Leader in the assessment.

Siemens ranked second with highly competitive scores for both implementation and innovation criteria. The vendor provides a robust MES that benefits significantly from being part of the company’s wide-ranging, unified solution portfolio. Customers can easily leverage natively integrated tools and functionality, from design to manufacturing, providing an incredibly compelling value proposition for manufacturers looking to connect their operations with an integrated, platform-based system and drive rapid digital transformation and digital thread construction.

Parsec ranked third in the assessment, with its leading implementation ranking driven by excellent process industry deployment experience and competitive scoring across all implementation criteria. Their offering represents a complete and highly adaptable MES solution that all manufacturers in the process industry should consider, especially if they are looking for a solution that can be extensively tailored to meet specific requirements while also supporting rapid Return on Investment (ROI) and scaling from deployments.

AVEVA rounds out the overall leadership rankings with the solution scoring competitively for deployment experience thanks to the company’s notable experience in process industry operations. The implementation partnership criteria was another strong point for AVEVA, which boasts a highly competitive deployment partnership ecosystem.

Notably, Rockwell Automation, while not ranked as an overall leader, earned high marks in innovation, earning the vendor an Innovation Leader designation. The company’s combination of strong work order scheduling and planning capabilities, a robust OOTB MES toolset, and other advanced supply chain-based tools within a single cloud-native platform represents a compelling value proposition. The solution should be a core consideration for manufacturers that place a priority on robust cloud capabilities and comprehensive multi-site connectivity and plant collaboration.

With the MES for Process Industries competitive assessment, vendors and end users can see how MES software competes in the market, and where vendors can improve offerings to better facilitate the needs of process manufacturers.

These findings are from ABI Research’s MES for Process Industries competitive assessment. This report is part of the company’s Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies  research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights.

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

ABI Research是一家全球性的技术情报公司,拥有得天独厚的优势,充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁,通过提供独家研究和专业性指导,推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略,无缝连接这两大主体。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:

Global                                                             
Jason Scheer
Tel: +1.516.624.2558                                                   
pr@abiresearch.com    

2025 CHINA FOCUS Returns to Edinburgh Festivals Showcasing Cutting-Edge Chinese Performing Arts

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The acclaimed CHINA FOCUS has officially launched its return to the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025 for the fifth edition, presenting nine groundbreaking productions from China. This year’s programme (30 July – 25 August) highlights the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Chinese creativity across music, dance, theatre, and experimental performance.

Notably, the Edinburgh International Festival hosted the debut of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra in Bruce Liu Plays Ravel (6 August, Usher Hall), conducted by Myung-whun Chung with pianist Liu Xiaoyu, presenting Chen Qigang’s Wu Xing alongside Ravel and Saint-Saëns. 

Eight productions ignites the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Personallery 4.0 (Shanghai University of Sport) fuses ballroom dance and AI to reimagine The Peony Pavilion, Youth and Poetry (QFun Theatre) transforms The Book of Songs into children’s musical theatre, Zhuangzi’s Dream (Central Academy of Drama) weaves shadow puppetry and Daoist philosophy, The Vast Lament: The Floating Life Performance (Spectator Concept Theatre) crafts an AI-augmented metaphysical journey, Inspired by the Eastern Wind (Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts) interprets classical strategy through street dance, The Pure Blue (Shanghai Theatre Academy) evokes ocean conservation via ethereal movement, Echoes (China Coal Mine Art Troupe) resurrects the legend of Ji Kang through musical drama, and Hibiscus and the Thistle (Hunan Song and Dance Theatre) unites Chinese traditional instruments with Western classics. 

Since its inception in 2017, CHINA FOCUS has showcased 35 productions to over 120,000 Edinburgh audiences, continually blending tradition with contemporary artistry. Organised by China Shanghai International Arts Festival, co-organised by Branding Shanghai and with the support of Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Chinese Embassy in the UK, Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, and Information Office of Shanghai Municipality, the initiative aims to elevate Chinese narratives on the global stage.

Media Contact: 

Jennifer Qian
jqian@brandingshanghai.com 

ChipMOS REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2025 RESULTS

  • 2Q25 Revenue Grew 3.7% Compared to 1Q25
  • 6.6% 2Q25 Gross Margin Compared to 9.4% in 1Q25
  • Overall Utilization Rate Increased to 65% from 62% in 1Q25
  • NT$1,667.2 Million or US$57.1 Million Net Free Cash Flow for the First Half of 2025
  • Revenue Growth and Prudent CapEx Further Strengthen Financial Position with Cash and Cash Equivalents Balance of NT$13,661.8 Million or US$468.2 Million
  • Distributed Cash Dividend of Approximately NT$1.23 per Common Share on July 18, 2025 and US$0.836 per ADS on July 25, 2025

HSINCHU, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“ChipMOS” or the “Company”) (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 8150 and Nasdaq: IMOS), an industry leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services (“OSAT”), today reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. All U.S. dollar figures cited in this press release are based on the exchange rate of NT$29.18 against US$1.00 as of June 30, 2025.

All the figures were prepared in accordance with Taiwan-International Financial Reporting Standards (“Taiwan-IFRS”).

Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was NT$5,735.8 million or US$196.6 million, an increase of 3.7% from NT$5,532.3 million or US$189.6 million in the first quarter of 2025 and a decrease of 1.3% from NT$5,809.6 million or US$199.1 million for the same period in 2024. Growth was led by a further recovery in the Company’s memory business.

Net non-operating expenses in the second quarter of 2025 was NT$682.2 million or US$23.4 million, compared to net non-operating income of NT$82.1 million or US$2.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, and net non-operating income of NT$127.6 million or US$4.4 million in the second quarter of 2024. The difference between the second quarter and first quarter of 2025 primarily reflects a negative foreign exchange impact, with a foreign exchange loss of NT$690 million or US$23.6 million in the second quarter of 2025, a foreign exchange gain of NT$62 million or US$2.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, and a foreign exchange gain of NT$25 million or US$0.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. The year ago period also included a gain on disposal of non-current assets held for sale of NT$72 million or US$2.5 million.

Net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the second quarter of 2025 was NT$533.1 million or US$18.3 million, and NT$0.75 or US$0.03 per basic common share, as compared to net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of NT$176.3 million or US$6.0 million, and NT$0.24 or US$0.01 per basic common share in the first quarter of 2025. This compares to net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of NT$450.6 million or US$15.4 million, and NT$0.62 or US$0.02 per basic common share in the second quarter of 2024. Net losses for the second quarter of 2025 were US$0.51 per basic ADS, compared to net earnings of US$0.17 per basic ADS for the first quarter of 2025 and net earnings of US$0.42 per basic ADS in the second quarter of 2024.

Net free cash inflow for the first half of 2025 was NT$1,667.2 million or US$57.1 million with a strong balance of cash and cash equivalents was NT$13,661.8 million or US$468.2 million.

Second Quarter 2025 Investor Conference Call / Webcast Details

Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 3:00PM Taiwan (3:00AM New York)
Dial-In: +886-2-33961191
Password: 3300012 #
Webcast and Replay: https://www.chipmos.com/chinese/ir/info2.aspx
Replay: Starts approximately 2 hours after the live call ends

Language: Mandarin

Note: A transcript will be provided on the Company’s website in English following the conference call to help ensure transparency, and to facilitate a better understanding of the Company’s financial results and operating environment.

About ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.:

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (“ChipMOS” or the “Company”) (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 8150 and Nasdaq: IMOS) (www.chipmos.com) is an industry leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services. With advanced facilities in Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu Industrial Park and Southern Taiwan Science Park in Taiwan, ChipMOS is known for its track record of excellence and history of innovation. The Company provides end-to-end assembly and test services to leading fabless semiconductor companies, integrated device manufacturers and independent semiconductor foundries serving virtually all end markets worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as ‘believes,’ ‘expects,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘intends,’ ‘should,’ ‘seeks,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘future’ or similar expressions or by discussion of, among other things, strategies, goals, plans or intentions. These statements may include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding current macroeconomic conditions, including the impacts of high inflation, foreign exchange rates and risk of recession, on demand for our products, consumer confidence and financial markets generally; changes in trade regulations, policies, and agreements and the imposition of tariffs that affect our products or operations, including potential new tariffs that may be imposed and our ability to mitigate with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Actual results may differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking statements contained in this document, due to various factors. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other factors are included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. 

Contacts:

In Taiwan

Jesse Huang

ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

+886-6-5052388 ext. 7715

IR@chipmos.com

In the U.S.

David Pasquale

Global IR Partners

+1-914-337-8801

dpasquale@globalirpartners.com

Zetrix AI Launches World’s First Shariah-Aligned Large Language Model “NurAI”

Addressing the Needs of Two Billion Muslims and Unlocking the US$3 Trillion Islamic Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, today unveiled NurAI, the world’s first Shariah-aligned, Islamic values-based large language model (“LLM”). Based on Islamic principles and reflective of the Global South worldview, NurAI offers guidance consistent with Shariah rulings on a comprehensive spectrum of subject matters ranging from contemporary topics, such as law, healthcare and finance, to classical Islamic themes that include history, Islamic philosophy and Quranic studies.

Dato' Fadzli Shah, Co-Founder of Zetrix, during the demonstration of NurAI.
Dato’ Fadzli Shah, Co-Founder of Zetrix, during the demonstration of NurAI.

The launch ceremony, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur and officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, was organised in conjunction with the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025.

As the first of its kind, NurAI offers Muslim-majority nations and Muslim communities an alternative to existing Western and Chinese AI models, which often lack alignment with Islamic values and the development priorities of the Global South. Beyond consumer adoption, NurAI lays the groundwork for broader digital Islamic economy infrastructure across halal trade, supply chain, Islamic finance, and governance, thereby advancing AI sovereignty in emerging markets.

“This is a prime example of how we can harmonise religion and technology for the benefit of the ummah and the advancement of the nation. I would like to call on all parties, including the government, private sectors, financial institutions, and religious bodies, to give full support to the development and expansion of technologies like NurAI,” said YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Unique Features of NurAI

A distinctive and unique feature of NurAI is its AI Avatar channels that enable users to interact with avatars modelled after experts across various fields. Trained with exclusive datasets, these channels reflect the experts’ unique knowledge and teaching philosophy. It is similar to having an AI companion that serves as a personal ustaz or Islamic finance expert with the capabilities of engaging in personalised conversations with users. While many LLMs generate broad answers across disciplines, NurAI’s AI Avatar channels provide deeper and more thoughtful insights, especially on topics that require careful interpretation and understanding. NurAI team will provide an Islamic Finance channel in partnership with INCEIF University, an affiliate of Bank Negara Malaysia, in addition to channels by leading Islamic scholars from around the world.

NurAI is available in Malay, Indonesian, Arabic, and English across both desktop and mobile platforms, delivering a clear and conversational user experience while maintaining Shariah alignment, serving a diverse base of Muslim users globally. The desktop version can be accessed at https://nur-ai.ai.

Developed under the guidance of a formal Shariah Supervisory Board, NurAI is rooted in Islamic ethics and strict Shariah alignment, offering a principled and trustworthy platform.

The team behind the development of NurAI will establish a Shariah-aligned framework in collaboration with key religious bodies, including Malaysian Islamic Development Department (“JAKIM”), Indonesian Ulama Council (“MUI”), International Islamic Fiqh Academy (“IIFA”), and Al-Azhar University in Egypt.

NurAI serves as a foundational LLM upon which advanced agentic and domain-specific generative AI can be built, enabling tailored solutions for real-world applications in sectors such as Islamic finance, education, governance, and halal industry regulation.

Addressing a Global Gap

Current AI systems, developed primarily in Western and Chinese contexts, may not fully reflect Islamic perspectives. This leaves a clear gap for the two billion Muslims, the US$3 trillion Islamic economy and the wider Global South, where users seek AI tools that align with their cultural values, religious principles, and development priorities. NurAI meets this need by offering a Shariah-aligned alternative for markets underserved by existing platforms. It also supports the growing demand for AI sovereignty and Shariah-aligned technology from governments and institutions across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”).

Strategic Rollout and Partnerships

“The rollout of NurAI is designed to be phased and progressive. It will begin with a freemium B2C app in Malaysia and Indonesia, offering general Shariah guidance alongside premium features such as inheritance calculators and medical bioethics advice. The second phase will focus on institutional integration via B2B and B2G models, enabling implementation of NurAI into the daily operations of Islamic financial institutions, fintechs, halal certification bodies and Shariah legal authorities,” said Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Bin Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI.

With the launch of NurAI, Malaysia not only cements its leadership in halal certification, Islamic finance, and Shariah scholarship, but also in ethical AI innovation. Zetrix AI’s continued investment in Shariah-aligned technologies signals a long-term commitment to developing responsible, values-based digital infrastructure for Muslim communities worldwide.

About Zetrix AI Berhad

Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, is leading the way in the deployment of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence in powering the public and private sectors across ASEAN. Headquartered in Malaysia, Zetrix AI started operations in 2000 as a pioneer in the provision of electronic government services and complementary commercial offerings in its home country. Today, it has advanced to the forefront of technology transformation in the broader region, leveraging its Layer-1 blockchain platform Zetrix and embracing the convergence of Web3, AI and robotics to enable optimally-efficient, intelligent and secure cross-border transactions, digital identity interoperability and automation solutions that seamlessly connect peoples, businesses and governments.

Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025

Champasack Draws 426,000 Visitors in First 7 Months of 2025
Vat Phou Temple (photo credit: Remote Land)

Champasack Province attracted 426,126 visitors in the first seven months of 2025, Vannaxay Sardtakoun, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism, reported told Lao media on 11 August.

Fanatics Branded NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL Apparel Sales Banned in Australia

SYDNEY, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FanFirm Pty Ltd, a small Australian company, claims their recent win in the Federal Court of Australia is a “historic win” over their large US competitor and one that has been coming since trademark disputes began between the two companies in 2010.

Australia's Fanatics win landmark trademark case
Australia’s Fanatics win landmark trademark case

On one side was Australian company FanFirm who have sold Fanatics branded apparel since 1997 and on the other was Fanatics LLC, the US$31 billion mega brand which is owned by billionaire Michael Rubin, Jay Z and many of the top leagues in the US.

Up until last year Fanatics LLC sold licensed sports apparel bearing FANATICS branding for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL & other teams & Leagues into Australia via their website.

However, the Australian company FanFirm owns trademarks for or that include the word ‘Fanatics’ across various trademark classes (including for clothing and sportswear) & has ‘first use’ rights in Australia, having existed in the market in various forms since 1997. The Australian company began legal proceedings in 2022 against Fanatics LLC in the Federal Court of Australia for trademark infringement.

In July 2024, the Federal Court of Australia delivered a judgment that found, amongst other things, that Fanatics LLC had infringed FanFirm’s trademark rights and that Fanatics LLC’s own trademark for FANATICS for on-line retail store services featuring sports related and sports team branded clothing and merchandise should be partially cancelled. Flowing on from that decision, the Australian Federal Court made an order restraining the US company from offering for sale and selling FANATICS branded sports apparel in Australia, including via the US company’s website.

In November last year, Fanatics LLC appealed the July 2024 decision.

So both parties returned to court, this time to the Full Federal Court of Australia and before three Australian Federal Court judges. Fanatics LLC argued they had good faith and honest & concurrent use of Fanatics.

However, the three judges unanimously dismissed those claims in a further win for the Australian company.

The combined effect of the first instance and appeal judgments is that no Fanatics branded jerseys or associated Fanatics branded apparel can be offered for sale or sold in Australia. 

The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL & other leagues, players’ associations, team owners & various players’ unions have invested in Fanatics LLC who make various apparel for the leagues and some players. Many thousands of FANATICS branded items that are currently viewable on the Fanatics LLC website will not be available for sale in Australia under the judgment.

Owner and founder of FanFirm, the owner of ‘Fanatics’ trademarks in Australia, Warren Livingstone said: 

“We love North American sports leagues in Australia & Fanatics LLC have said that Australia is their third biggest market for apparel sales. So, while it’s a big loss for them, it’s a monumental win for us. 

We never doubted we would win. The evidence was clear from both parties. We had sold merchandise with Fanatics branding for over a decade before they began to use that brand. It really was David v Goliath. We are relieved, but ecstatic.”

Fanatics in Qatar © Salty Dingo 2022
Fanatics in Qatar © Salty Dingo 2022